Contracted Kent County Jail counselor accused of sexually assaulting inmate

Kent County Jail

A contracted behavioral health worker at the Kent County Jail is accused of sexually assaulting in inmate

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A contracted counselor at the Kent County Jail is accused of sexually assaulting an inmate.

Theresa Lyn Simmons, 43, was arraigned Wednesday, Aug. 17 on a charge of second-degree criminal sexual conduct--county inmate.

Kent County sheriff’s administrators said Simmons worked for Family Outreach Center, providing behavioral health services at the jail.

Simmons’ access to the jail was immediately terminated when authorities received a complaint about her.

Veneese Chandler, the executive director of the Family Outreach Center, released a statement about worker:

“Family Outreach Center is committed to the provision of quality services and ethical behavior on the part of its employees.  All employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects professionalism and uphold the code of ethics adopted by her or his professional licensing organization and Family Outreach Center, Inc.,” according to the statement.

“When ethical standards have been breached, Family Outreach Center, Inc. is committed to adhering to the legal and professional processes required to rectify the situation and prevent reoccurring issues of this type.”

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