MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee County Correctional Officer has been charged in connection to an inmate death back in January.
Octaviano Juarez-Corro, 49, was found unresponsive in his cell Sunday, Jan. 22 and could not be revived despite lifesaving measures. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office responded to the jail and found a "ligature located around the decedent's neck," according to a criminal complaint.
Now, 32-year-old Laquisha Cowser is facing one count of Misconduct in Public Office in connection to Juarez-Corro's death.
Related: Activists demand accountability, transparency after another inmate death at Milwaukee County Jail
The complaint states Cowser allegedly skipped Juarez-Corro's cell during checks, along with two other cells nearby. When asked if there was any reason to skip those specific cells, Cowser said, "No."
According to a news release from the sheriff's office, if Cowser is convicted, she could face up to 3.5 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.
She had been employed as a CO at the Milwaukee County Jail for around four years. The sheriff's office said she has been relieved of duty with pay, pending the outcome of her criminal case.
“This office holds itself to high standards in its service to Milwaukee County,” said Sheriff Denita Ball, “and no member of MCSO is exempt from those standards. When a member of this agency is alleged to have broken the law in the performance of their duty, they will be subject to prosecution, and if they are convicted, they will face consequences as determined by a judge or a jury."
Juarez-Corro's death was the second at the jail in just a few months.
“One death in our custody is one too many. But we are confident these charges demonstrate the MCSO’s commitment to ensure that an independent investigation was conducted, regardless of the result," Ball said in a statement.
TMJ4 News is working to learn more about Juarez-Corro's death and Cowser's criminal charge.
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