Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Trainees

AG: Pennsylvania Press Releases

Filed May 21st, 2024

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Garrett Smead, a former corrections officer at SCI Forest, pleaded guilty to assaulting two correctional officers in training during hazing incidents. The plea includes charges of indecent assault, indecent exposure, and unlawful restraint.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

Former SCI Forest corrections officer Garrett Smead, 29, has pleaded guilty to two counts each of indecent assault, indecent exposure, and unlawful restraint. The charges stem from two separate incidents on May 21, 2025, where Smead allegedly handcuffed and sexually assaulted two trainees, even writing on one victim's body. The Attorney General's office highlighted the betrayal of responsibility and harm caused to victims and public trust.

This case underscores the severe consequences for misconduct within correctional facilities. While no specific compliance deadline is mentioned for other entities, this enforcement action serves as a stark reminder for employers in the corrections sector to reinforce policies against hazing and assault, ensure proper supervision, and maintain a safe working environment for all staff. Failure to do so can result in criminal prosecution and significant reputational damage.

What to do next

Review internal policies and procedures regarding staff conduct and hazing.
Reinforce training on workplace safety and reporting mechanisms for all employees.
Ensure adequate supervision and accountability for all personnel.

Source document (simplified)

HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that a former corrections officer at SCI Forest has pleaded guilty to assaulting two correctional officers in training during apparent hazing incidents.

Garrett Smead, 29, of Warren, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts each of indecent assault, indecent exposure, unlawful restraints, and related offenses. A sentence date has not been set.

The investigation revealed that Smead restrained two officers by handcuffing them, then removed his clothing and sexually assaulted them during two separate incidents on May 21, 2025.

“The defendant’s actions are betrayals of the responsibility that comes with being a corrections officer,” Attorney General Sunday said. “These acts caused physical and emotional harm to the victims while threatening the public trust in the criminal justice system. Conduct like this unfairly leaves a stain on the many public servants who act bravely and heroically on a daily basis.”

In one incident, Smead wrote “Property of G. Smead” on the victim’s body. Both victims were left handcuffed until other officers arrived and freed them.

This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Stephen Sliger of the Criminal Prosecutions Section.