Somerset Co., PA (WJAC) — Authorities with the Department of Corrections say an Ebensburg woman is facing charges, accused of engaging in both a personal and sexual relationship with an inmate at SCI Somerset.
Investigators say 60-year-old Laurie Semelsberger, who worked at the prison as a Psychological Services Associate, allegedly exchanged over 700 personal phone calls with the inmate from January to August of this year.
Authorities say further investigation revealed that some of those phone calls were sexual in nature, and that Semelsberger allegedly discussed intimate, personal details about her family, vacationing and employment history.
Investigators say when they questioned Semelsberger about the phone calls and accusations, she initially stated that the inmate would often make comments to her about her appearance.
Authorities say she later admitted to engaging in sexual acts with the inmate in her office and to giving him nude photographs of herself.
Investigators say Semelsberger also admitted to discussing the continuation of their relationship once the inmate was released from prison.
Semelsberger faces several charges including institutional sexual assault and delivering obscene material to a correctional facility, according to online court records.
Court dockets show that she waived her charges for court at a preliminary hearing last week and is out on unsecured bail.
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