DNA test: Ex-guard is dad of inmate’s baby

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004 | 9:35 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- DNA testing has identified a former guard at the state women's prison in North Las Vegas as the father of a baby born to a female inmate, a state correctional official said Tuesday.

Former Correctional Officer Randy Easter could face criminal charges that are now being considered by the state attorney general's office, said Glen Whorton, assistant director of the state Corrections Department.

Inmate Korinda Martin gave birth to a 7-pound boy she named Anthony last month at the Carson-Tahoe Hospital. A DNA test was conducted on the infant.

Martin's attorney, Scott Olifant, said he "would be greatly surprised if prosecution is not forthcoming."

Easter could not be reached for comment.

The law says it is a felony for both parties if there is voluntary sexual conduct between a prisoner and another person.

Martin, who has filed a civil lawsuit in federal court, maintains she was under pressure to have sex with Easter because of his authority over her at the Nevada Women's Correctional Facility, operated by Corrections Corp. of America. She said the sexual relationship was involuntary.

Martin has given up the baby to a longtime acquaintance in Las Vegas but has not signed over parental rights, Olifant said. Martin remains in prison in Carson City.

Martin is serving two to 10 years for robbery in Clark County and is eligible for parole in July 2005. If paroled, she must start serving a consecutive one- to four-year term for coercion.

When it was disclosed last July that Martin was pregnant, she was transferred from North Las Vegas to the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City, where she has remained since the birth.