Northern Regional Jail Inmate Accused of Sexually Assaulting Cellmate
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An inmate at the Northern Regional Jail is charged with repeatedly sexually assaulting his cellmate over a period of about a week earlier in the year.
On March 1, jail officials told West Virginia State Police of a string of incidents between two inmates: Cameron Edward Armstrong, 26 of South Third Street, Martins Ferry, and his cellmate. According to the alleged victim, Armstrong moved into his cell on Feb. 24, and the following night, Armstrong proposed entering a sexual relationship with him. The man declined, saying he had no interest.
Armstrong allegedly forced himself on his cellmate, striking him in the head to gain compliance. The following night, Armstrong tried again and was rebuffed, again striking and threatening a "severe beating" if the cellmate did not continue. Again on March 1, Armstrong allegedly struck the man several times in the chest to force him to submit. The alleged victim told police he was able to get jail staff to intervene the following morning.
Police say the man suffered several bruises to his body, consistent with being repeatedly struck.
Armstrong was charged with three counts of second-degree sexual assault. The NRJ's website indicates that he was no longer held as an inmate as of Wednesday.