Ex-Strafford County jail officer faces more sex assault charges: Fifth inmate speaks up
DOVER — Former Strafford County jail corrections officer Patrick Schaeffer has been indicted on more felony sexual assault charges stemming from allegations dating back to 2019 that surfaced in 2023, when former inmate Jennifer Duckworth shared her story.
Schaeffer was charged but not prosecuted in 2020 — even after admitting to details of his sexual misconduct to investigators — after female inmates declined to discuss the allegations with the investigators. Four women inmates spoke to investigators last year, leading to eight felony charges. A fifth victim has come forward, leading to two new charges, according to Carroll County Attorney Keith Blair, whose office is prosecuting the case.
Duckworth said Schaeffer used his position of authority to force inmates to do sexual favors for him in exchange for special privileges, like extra peanut butter.
"I can't believe this is finally happening," Duckworth said Monday. "I guess I'd say it's about time."
New charges against Schaeffer detail more sexual assaults
Strafford County Superior Court indictments released Monday show Schaeffer, now 42, was indicted on two new charges of aggravated felonious sexual assault - authority position, both special felonies that carry a potential prison sentence of 10-20 years and fines up to $4,000 with a conviction. They bring his total number of charges up to 10.
Schaeffer was also indicted last October on eight charges: three for aggravated felonious sexual assault - authority position and five for felonious sexual assault - authority position.
The first count of the new charges alleges Schaeffer engaged in sexual penetration with an inmate while he had direct supervisory authority over her and could coerce her into submission. The second charge alleges he showed the same woman his genitalia and coerced her into performing oral sex on him.
Schaeffer was indicted October 2023 on eight felony counts by a Strafford County grand jury. Three charges are Class A aggravated felonious sexual assault felonies, carrying a potential prison time of 7.5-15 years, and the other five are Class B felonies of felonious sexual assault, carrying a potential sentence of 3.5-7 years. If convicted, the sentences can be served consecutively or concurrently at the discretion of the court.
Those charged stemmed from women inmates alleging incidents of oral sex, Schaeffer touching women sexually above and below the waist, as well urging a woman to flash her breasts at him and flashing his genitalia at a woman and prompting her to touch him.
Schaeffer faces arraignment as attorney seeks to dismiss the case
Schaeffer faces arraignment July 9 on the new charges. Blair noted he could choose to waive the arraignment and avoid the court appearance. Schaeffer's case is currently scheduled for a final pretrial conference on Sept. 18, with jury selection to begin Oct. 7.
On Monday, Schaeffer's attorney, Sven Wiberg, was in court for a hearing to seek dismissal of the first eight charges. A spokesperson in Wiberg's office said she did not think he would comment at this point.
Blair said Wiberg argued too much time had passed and certain discovery materials are no longer available. The decision on the motion to dismiss is pending. Blair said prosecutors will file a response in the time allotted.
"We argued that the case is very timely and should move forward," said Blair. He said the case is being handled for his office by Senior Assistant Carrol County Attorney Chris Mignanelli.
Court documents show prosecutors have information they will use in court, in addition to victim statements, stating there were comments about Schaeffer's behavior in his performance evaluations, that because of his inappropriate behavior his assignments at the jail were changed, and he had received multiple disciplinary actions and written violations.
Duckworth is represented by attorney Alfred Catalfo. She said she is ready to testify, and she plans to attend the trial as much as she is allowed based on her testimony status.
"I want to watch this finally happen," she said.
The Carroll County attorney's office is prosecuting the case because Strafford County prosecutors wanted to avoid a potential conflict as Schaeffer was employed by the county at the time of the alleged crimes.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Ex-Strafford County jail officer faces more sex assault charges
