Prison Guard Accused of Having Oral Sex with Inmates

by Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Katie Wiedemann

Story Created: Apr 7, 2008 at 7:49 PM CST

Story Updated: Apr 7, 2008 at 7:49 PM CST

Praire du Chien, WI - A Praire du Chien, Wisconsin prison guard spent time in court today after being accused of sexual assaulting inmates. The Praire du Chien correctional center is right across the Mississippi River from Marquette.
58-year-old James Trentin is on administrative leave. Several inmates say Officer Trentin brought them treats like candy, chewing tobacco, soap and toothpaste in exchange for sexual acts.

A criminal complaint claims over the past year and a half Officer Trentin took male inmates into a private telephone room to perform the acts.
The complaint says Trentin would take an inmate into the room alone, pull the inmates’ pants down and give the inmate oral sex. According to the complaint, in exchange for the acts, Trentin would bring them the items from outside of the prison.

Dozens of Prarie du Chien prison guards were at the hearing to show support for Jim Trentin.
His co-workers and fellow union members did not want to comment on camera but say the union is supporting Jim and his family at this time.

Prosecutors say evidence shows this is not a case of inmates making up a story because they don't like Officer Trentin.

Verona County District Attorney Timothy Gaskell said, “There is some video tape that shows the officer in certain area that corroborate with what the victims are saying.”

Trentin is set to appear in court again on April 25th at the Crawford County Courthouse.
According to Wisconsin law, second degree assault is a class "C" felony and is punishable to up to 40 years in prison.

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