Racine Sun

A longtime correctional institution social worker is now facing 20 counts of second-degree sexual assault after allegedly engaging in a long-term intimate relationship with an inmate at Racine Correctional Institution in Sturtvert.

Fox6Now.com reports Franksville resident Jacqueline Heidt, 37, also faces charges of delivering illegal articles to an inmate and misconduct in public office stemming from the time when she was a Wisconsin Department of Corrections supervisor.

A licensed social worker in the state since 2010 who worked at the Racine Correctional Institution in Sturtvert, Heidt recently appeared in Racine County court, where the prosecutor told the court she engaged in a consensual sexual relationship with an inmate that included the two having intercourse in her office multiple times a week and her giving him contraband.

With the relationship having reportedly started in April, at one point Heidt is alleged to have told the inmate she was pregnant with his child. Her husband later confirmed she was pregnant, but that is no longer the case.

"There was a long-term sexual misconduct in the prison with an inmate, where she smuggled in contraband, she’s facing significant exposure," said Kelly Larsen, Racine County Assistant District Attorney.

Attorneys for Heidt have argued the only reason their relationship is considered illegal is because she was in a position of power, adding everything else was consensual and asking the public to reserve judgment until the investigation has completed.

Now free on $5,000 bail, Heidt remains on leave without pay from her job and is next scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 21.