Assistant warden at Nebraska prison accused of sex abuse, unauthorized contact with inamate

An assistant warden at a Nebraska prison is accused of sexual abuse of an inmate.

This week, the Nebraska State Patrol arrested Sarah Nelson Torsiello, 45, in connection to the alleged abuse, according to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. She was also charged with unauthorized communication with a prisoner.

Both counts are a felony.

Torsiello has worked for the agency since 2003. She held multiple positions at the Nebraska State Penitentiary and the Reception and Treatment Center, officials said.

Investigators have not released more details about the alleged prisoner abuse.

After she was arrested, Torsiello was booked into the Lancaster County jail and resigned her position as an assistant warden.

“It is extremely disappointing that someone in this position now faces felony charges. These are serious offenses,” said Department of Correctional Services Director Scott R. Frakes. “Inappropriate behavior involving a member of the inmate population will not be tolerated in NDCS.”