Juvenile detention center staffer charged with sexual abuse

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — A staff member at a juvenile corrections center in Mandan is charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old female inmate.

Dariouse Gravely, 27, is accused of having sexual contact with the girl in late June in a dorm room at the Youth Correctional Center. Gravely is charged with sexual assault and sexual abuse of a ward.

The girl shared information about the alleged incident with a confidant, who in turn told authorities, an affidavit said.

Gravely denied some of the allegations and admitted to others, telling police “she got the best of me,” according to the court document.

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says Gravely was a residence specialist and provided care for inmates. He is no longer employed at the center, the Bismarck Tribune reported.

“We take these matters seriously but we can’t provide any further details as the case is under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol,” department spokeswoman Kayli Richards said.

Court records do not list an attorney for Gravely.