California jail guard charged with having sex with inmates

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A Northern California deputy has been charged with having sex with two jail inmates under his watch.

The Contra Costa County district attorney’s office announced Friday that it charged 27-year-old Patrick Morseman with four counts of unlawful sexual activity with two female inmates.

The Contra Costa County sheriff’s deputy was arrested April 4 and has since posted $100,000 bail. The department has placed Morseman on administrative leave.

The Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association didn’t immediately return a phone call.

A lawyer representing the two women said they are disappointed prosecutors didn’t charge with Morseman with rape.

Lawyer Neama Rahmani said the women dispute claims that the alleged sexual encounter was consensual. Rahmani said he has filed a legal claim with the county, which is a precursor to a lawsuit.