Feds Investigating Alleged LGBT Abuse at Penn. Prison

Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.

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Neal Broverman

December 04 2011 1:55 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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A federal civil investigation is being launched against seven guards at a medium-security Pittsburgh prison, with some accused of tormenting and raping LGBT prisoners.

The seven correction officers were arrested in September after an Allegheny County investigator's report found an endemic culture of abuse, including rape, intimidation, and "official oppression." Now, a federal task force will look into the situation at State Correctional Institution Pittsburgh. The investigation could lead to an independent operator of the facility or government-sanctioned reforms.

Of the accused guards, one named Harry Nicoletti faces the most serious charges; he was indicted on 92 felony and misdemeanor counts, including 10 counts of institutional rape. Nicoletti allegedly targeting certain inmates in his abuse, including LGBT prisoners. Read more here.