Chaplain goes on trial for sexual assault www.privateofficer.com

DOVER NH May 13 2008 The trial of an Alton man, who formerly worked as a jail chaplain accused of sexually assaulting a female inmate during counseling sessions, is scheduled to begin this morning at Strafford County Superior Court.

Ralph Flodin, 70, of 5 Riverside Drive in Alton, faces nine counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, each alleging he fondled a 24-year-old inmate while providing therapy in ways that were not “professionally recognized as ethical or acceptable.”

He also faces two misdemeanor charges of sexual assault.

The trial is expected to last four days. Witnesses include staff from the Strafford County House of Corrections and several women who were inmates at the jail when Flodin worked there.Flodin was hired in July 2006 to fill a new chaplain position responsible for coordinating spiritual programs and conducting counseling.

The alleged assaults began a month later and continued through April 2007, prosecutors claim.He was fired from his position in May 2007 after the victim, unwilling to attend a group counseling session, revealed his alleged conduct to jail officials.

A Sheriff’s Office investigation began, and the case was presented to a grand jury soon thereafter.

All Flodin’s charges are Class A felonies, each punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

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