Guard, inmate had sex

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Philip Stake
Staff writer

GALLUP — Tommie Christensen, formerly a guard at McKinley County Adult Detention Facility, has been charged with criminal sexual penetration for an alleged sexual relationship with a former inmate.

The female guard was dismissed from duty immediately following the receipt by MCADF Director Donna Goodrich of a letter and photographs from former inmate Duane Lopez, according to Goodrich.

“There’s no such thing as consensual penetration between a guard and an inmate inside a jail due to the guard’s position of authority,” Goodrich said.

The contents of the letter and photographs have not yet been disclosed as the case is still under investigation; however they were apparently substantial enough to warrant dismissal.

McKinley County investigators are currently working with the district attorney’s office, which is weighing the evidence to determine if it has enough substance for an arrest and prosecution, according to District Attorney Karl Gillson.

This is the second female guard this year accused of an “inappropriate relationship” with a male inmate. Rosemary Gearhart was dismissed in February. Gearhart was never prosecuted because of a lack of evidence.