Watch CBS News

SCI Pittsburgh Guard Facing Inmate Abuse Charges

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Nearly 100 charges are filed against a state prison guard accused of targeting and sexually assaulting convicted sex offenders.

Harry Nicoletti, 60, is accused of sexually, physically and mentally abusing inmates at SCI Pittsburgh.

Marty Griffin: "In the e-mails that you sent to me that you said that you should be working, that these are false accusations, tell me how they're false."


Nicoletti:
"They're false allegations Marty. Simple as that. They're false allegations."

In a series of e-mails sent to KDKA Investigator Marty Griffin over the last month, Nicoletti called the investigation ridiculous saying, "It never happened."

According to the criminal complaint, Nicoletti allegedly sexually assaulted a number of inmates after identifying them as convicted sex offenders.

The investigation points out prison staff and inmates testified against him.

Griffin: "So all of the inmates are lying? All of the other – the jail guard that testified against you lied as well?"

Nicoletti: "I have no further comment."

Griffin: "Did you assault 20 inmates?"

Nicoletti: "No, no. Absolutely not. Absolutely not Marty."

An Allegheny County grand jury has been investigating allegations of abuse for months.

A woman told KDKA-TV in May that her boyfriend, an accused sex offender, was part of the investigation.

Griffin: "Was it announced to other inmates they were sex offenders?"

Woman: "Yes."

Griffin: "And were they sexually assaulted as a result?"

Woman: "Yes."

RELATED LINKS

More Local News
More News Related To This Case
More Reports From Marty Griffin

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.