A NINE-year-old girl was molested during a family day at a specialised prison for sex offenders, it has emerged.
The incident occurred last month when the department hosted the event – where family members visit incarcerated sex offenders – at the Adult Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Avenel, New Jersey.
New Jersey’s Department of Corrections is investigating the incident, The Star-Ledger reports.
Authorities filed disciplinary charges against convicted sex offender Claudio Gonzalez for allegedly touching the niece of another inmate during the family day, attended by 116 children and 418 adult relatives, who mingled with 30 supervising officers.
According to a disciplinary report, Gonzalez touched the alleged victim inappropriately while accompanying her to get an Italian ice-cream.
He later told investigators he was guiding the girl back to her family and only accidentally brushed her breast while walking.
Corrections officials say family days are important to help inmates stay connected with relatives, but critics argue that they are a risk in an environment where many offenders are judged to be repetitive and compulsive in their behaviour.
“The whole process has to be investigated. Was there a staff failure?” Corrections Commissioner Gary Lanigan said. “The question is now being addressed.”