Former Long Island Corrections Officer Sentenced For Sex Abuse Of Female Inmates

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A former corrections officer was sentenced Wednesday to 5 years and 4 months in prison, after being convicted of sexually abusing female inmates at a jail on Long Island.

Mark Barber, 50, of Levittown, was sentenced by a Nassau County judge in Mineola, after being convicted by a jury in August.

Prosecutors said Barber used his position as a grievance officer for the county jail's female inmates to engage in sexual relationships.

They said Barber targeted inmates with histories of drug abuse, prostitution or mental health treatment. The inmates were given cigarettes and private phone call privileges in exchange for sex.

Barber was fired after his arrest in 2009. At the time, the New York Post reported, he was accused of sexually abusing six inmates in various locations in the jail, and he allegedly had intercourse with three.

Barber was acquitted of third-degree rape, but convicted of official misconduct, sexual abuse and forcible touching.

Barber was hired by Nassau County in 1987.

His attorney said he plans to appeal the conviction.

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