Ex-jail worker pleads not guilty in sex case

BANGOR – A former employee at the Penobscot County Jail pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Penobscot County Superior Court on charges that she twice had sex with a male inmate.

Dawn L. Chambers, 44, of Bangor is accused of performing oral sex on a 27-year-old inmate Jan. 30 and Feb. 2. She faces two charges of gross sexual assault, a Class B felony that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if she is convicted.

Superior Court Justice S. Kirk Studstrup presided over Wednesday’s arraignment and continued bail for Chambers in the amount of $500.

She posted bail shortly after her court appearance, with a condition that she not have contact with the alleged victim.

The arraignment was a fairly routine procedure despite the uniqueness of this particular case, according to Penobscot County Assistant District Attorney Greg Campbell.

“Fortunately, this is a something we don’t see very often,” he said.

Chambers’ attorney, Stephen Smith of Bangor, could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

Chambers had worked in the jail’s kitchen since Oct. 12, 2004, and was a civilian employee, not a corrections officer, Penobscot County Sheriff Glenn Ross said previously.

The alleged incidents occurred while Chambers had direct supervision over the inmate, but Campbell said no coercion was involved.

The male inmate, whose name was not released, did not even file a formal complaint against Chambers. Rumors circulating around the jail, however, led to an investigation, and the details were turned over to the District Attorney’s Office.

“Maine law does not require a victim to file charges,” Deputy District Attorney Michael Roberts, who will prosecute the case, said Wednesday. He added that unless any pretrial motions are filed, Chambers would be added to the trial list as early as May but more likely in June.

Chambers was fired from her job Feb. 6, after authorities learned of the alleged incidents. She was indicted on the charges March 7 by the Penobscot County grand jury. The inmate involved in the incidents was reprimanded for violating jail policies.

The former jail worker underwent an extensive background check and a polygraph test before she was hired, Ross said earlier this month.