BELFAST – A former corrections officer at the Waldo County Jail has been charged with unlawful sexual contact after allegedly being involved with a female inmate last month.

Gerald E. Grierson, 33, of South Thomaston had worked at the jail for about 18 months before the alleged incident. He resigned his position after being informed he was the subject of an investigation. Grierson was formally charged Thursday.

Waldo County Sheriff Scott Story said the incident took place on or about April 2. He said the jail was alerted to the situation by tips provided by two individuals outside the jail.

“An internal investigation was conducted by Detective Jason Trundy and the case was submitted to the district attorney for review,” Story said Thursday. “The summons for this charge is the result of the DA’s recommendation.”

Story described Grierson’s behavior as “unfortunate” but said it was a fact of life in corrections facilities that similar cases have occurred every now and then at both the county and state level. He said corrections officers are warned about such activity and that departments act firmly when those situations arise.

“I think it was a serious error in judgment by this officer and he’s being held accountable for it,” said Story. “The training is very clear and the law is very clear that this is not acceptable behavior. We’re certainly disappointed that this happened but when other similar events take place we do the right thing and move forward.”

Unlawful sexual contact is a Class D offense that carries a maximum penalty of up to 364 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, and up to one year probation.