Prison therapist who had sex with inmate pleads guilty

An Airway Heights Corrections Center therapist charged with sleeping with a sex offender pleaded guilty to a lesser crime Tuesday. Sarah Brooks, who specialized in sexual deviancy treatment, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree custodial misconduct, a gross misdemeanor, prosecutor Patrick Johnson said. Brooks developed a sexual relationship with a male sex offender at the prison and was originally facing three charges of first-degree custodial misconduct, a felony. Brooks was facing up to four and a half years in prison. However, the man she developed a relationship did not want to press charges, leading to the offer of the plea deal, Johnson said. Brooks was sentenced to 24 months probation, Johnson said. She must also complete alcohol treatment and mental health counseling. She resigned from her position at the prison in April. “Her life pretty much completely derailed,” Johnson said.