Guard pleads to inmate relations charge

WAYMART — A corrections officer at the state prison in Waymart is facing up to two years in jail following an alleged sexual episode with a male prison last September.

Karen Zalewski, 52, of Carbondale pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, official oppression, in exchange for the state’s dropping of a felony institutional sexual assault charge.

Zalewski was said to have had another officer stand watch outside a basement room as she and the inmate withdrew inside. The inmate confirmed that he had sexual relations with Zalewski.

Zalewski will be sentenced in Wayne County Court on March 28.