A former teacher at Raleigh’s women’s prison is facing a felony charge after investigators alleged he had sex with an incarcerated woman. Keith Morrison was initially held without bond before a judge set his bond at $75,000.
Morrison taught at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women through a contract with Wake Tech, according to CBS 17. Prosecutors reportedly told the court that the alleged victim received phone calls and letters from Morrison, who was ordered not to contact her. Wake Tech said Morrison is not currently employed by the college.
The Raleigh prison is one of North Carolina’s primary facilities for incarcerated women, housing people across multiple custody levels and serving as a major entry point for women entering the state prison system, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
What The North Carolina Charge Means
Morrison is charged with sexual activity by a substitute parent or custodian, a Class E felony under North Carolina General Statute 14-27.31. The law applies when an employee or agent of an institution with custody of a person engages in sexual activity with that person, and it specifically says consent is not a defense, according to the North Carolina General Assembly.
The state prison system’s Prison Rape Elimination Act materials state that North Carolina has zero tolerance for sexual abuse and harassment involving incarcerated people. The policy applies to employees, contractors, volunteers and other people working inside state correctional facilities, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Kayla Dillard, executive director of NC CURE, told CBS 17 that incidents involving prison staff and incarcerated people are more common than many realize. Dillard said this was not the first such incident and that she was glad the alleged conduct was uncovered.
Morrison remains accused, and the charge has not been proven in court. The case will proceed through Wake County’s criminal court system.
