By Muri Assunção
New York Daily News
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A former North Carolina corrections officer could serve up to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual assault charges related to an attack on a 20-year-old transgender inmate in May 2021.
Kyle Harris, of Charlotte, N.C., pleaded guilty on Monday to two counts of sexual activity by a custodian. He was sentenced to two consecutive sentences of 20 to 84 months.
According to the Raleigh-based newspaper The News & Observer, the 30-year-old will have to register as a sex offender for 30 years upon his release.
The now-fired Mecklenburg County, N.C., jailer was arrested in June 2021. He was charged with three counts of second-degree sex offense; one count of attempted second-degree sex offense; two counts of sexual battery; and one count of a sexual act by a government employee.
The other charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
Harris, who began working as a detention officer at the Mecklenburg County Jail in August 2017, was terminated on June 7, 2021.
An investigation into the alleged sexual assault began in late May 2021. Harris was terminated after warrants were issued for his arrest.
“All employees of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office are required to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct,” Sheriff Garry L. McFadden said in a statement when announcing his termination.
“There is no place in this organization for any employee that violates the public’s trust and confidence in MCSO,” McFadden added.