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November 11, 2009

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Ex-corrections officer found guilty in sex case

Tuesday, May 28, 2002 | 9:04 a.m.

A former Clark County corrections officer was found guilty Friday of one count of voluntary sexual conduct with a prisoner.

Mark Bennish, 39, was accused of using his position of authority to force two female prisoners into compromising positions in the spring of 2000. He was facing three counts of voluntary sexual conduct with a prisoner, but the jury found him guilty of only one count.

The charge carries a sentence of one to four years in prison. Bennish is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.

During the trial Bennish maintained that the two alleged victims, ages 22 and 25, were lying.

To strengthen their case, prosecutors called three public defenders to the stand to describe instances in which Bennish allegedly made inappropriate comments to them or, in one instance, kissed one of them.

The 22-year-old woman has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Bennish and Clark County. Bennish said he believes she hopes to profit from the allegation.

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