Inmate Alleges Sexual Abuse by Prison Medical Staff

Timothy McKoy claims he was coerced into non-consensual relationships with two female nurses at Corrigan Correctional Center.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:00pm

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A Groton man serving a 10-year prison sentence for a 2016 shooting is attempting to file a civil lawsuit against two female members of the medical staff at Corrigan Correctional Center, claiming they sexually abused him while he was an inmate between October and November 2024. The man, Timothy McKoy, 27, has filed a motion seeking the names of the employees he says abused him, as a precursor to a civil rights lawsuit.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of sexual abuse of inmates by prison staff, which violates the Prison Rape Elimination Act and raises concerns about the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals. It also tests the limits of sovereign immunity that can shield state agencies from liability.

The details

According to court documents, McKoy claims the abuse occurred between October 4 and November 21, 2024, and was perpetrated by two female members of the medical staff at Corrigan Correctional Center. McKoy's attorney, Peter Bartinik Jr., said McKoy had a job assignment in the medical unit, where he initially had consensual sexual relations with two of the nurses. However, Bartinik said McKoy later wanted to end the relationships but was urged by staff to continue, in part to catch one of the employees in the act, and was told he would be in trouble if he did not comply.

  • On November 21, 2024, state police investigated an alleged sexual assault incident at Corrigan Correctional Center, but the investigation did not result in an arrest.
  • McKoy is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence at Cheshire Correctional Institution, with a maximum release date of May 16, 2026.

The players

Timothy McKoy

A 27-year-old inmate at Corrigan Correctional Center who is serving a 10-year sentence for a 2016 shooting in Groton, Connecticut.

Peter Bartinik Jr.

The attorney representing Timothy McKoy in his attempt to file a civil lawsuit against the prison staff he claims sexually abused him.

Frank Garofalo

An assistant attorney general who has filed a motion to dismiss McKoy's case on the grounds that the Department of Correction is a state agency and immune from suit under the doctrine of sovereign immunity.

Department of Correction (DOC)

The state agency that operates Corrigan Correctional Center, where the alleged sexual abuse took place.

Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Unit

A unit within the DOC that investigates all reports of sexual assault in the state's correctional facilities.

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What they’re saying

“Equity cannot permit the State to shield wrongdoers by hiding behind sovereign immunity or FOIA, when the State of Connecticut empowered the wrongdoers with the authority over the plaintiff to commit sexual abuse.”

— Peter Bartinik Jr., Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to allow McKoy to question the head of the DOC's PREA Unit, which investigated his claims, as part of his effort to gather the names of the employees he says abused him.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing sexual abuse in prisons, where inmates are particularly vulnerable and the doctrine of sovereign immunity can make it difficult to hold state agencies accountable. It underscores the need for robust oversight, transparency, and a zero-tolerance policy on staff misconduct.