Inmate Charged With Sexually Assaulting Another Inmate

A Morris County jail inmate has been charged with sexually assaulting a 19-year-old fellow inmate on instances over the last few days.

Kevin Cromwell, 47, is charged with one count of sexual assault, two counts of criminal sexual contact, and one count of simple assault, according to an affidavit signed by a Morris County Sheriff's Office Bureau of Corrections officer working with the jail's internal affairs unit.

On March 26, the 19-year-old told Officer Michael Lundell that on the prior day, he was noticeably upset, according to the affidavit.

"[The alleged victim] stated that the defendant said he could help [the alleged victim] feel better," the affidavit states.

Cromwell allegedly grabbed the 19-year-old by the back of the next, and made him perform felatio on him. Later that evening, Cromwell allegedly touched himself sexually while rubbing the 19-year-old's buttocks and legs.

And on the morning of March 26, Cromwell allegedly grabbed the 19-year-old by the neck again, and again began touching himself sexually.

"[The alleged victim] disclosed that later that same morning, the defendant struck [the alleged vicitm] twice in the face with an open hand and told him to stop crying," the affidavit states.

According to the affidavit, the 19-year-old also told another person about the alleged assaults.

Lundell says in the affidavit he was shown pictures of red marks on the 19-year-old's neck.

Cromwell denied the allegations, according to the affidavit. 

He had been lodged in the jail on March 18 charges of attempt to cause bodily harm and causing an inconvenient annoyance, according to the correctional facility. He'd previously been incarcerated on a count of posession of a controlled dangerous substance, from Aug. 14, 2009 through Dec. 23, 2010.

"The Morris County Correctional internal affairs staff brought this allegation to our attention immediately," Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi said. " The investigation was conducted by both agencies. Prisoners are entitled, as victims of crime, to the same protections as other citizens even if they occur in a jail or prison, and despite the fact that they too have charges pending against them for which they are presumed innocent."