Prison counselor charged with sexually assaulting inmate
A state Department of Corrections employee is accused of coercing a Fayette County prison inmate into sexual acts.
Court paperwork stated Elise Fahringer, 37, admitted she had a physical relationship with the inmate in July and August of 2025 while counseling him as a psychological service specialist at the State Correctional Institution at Fayette in Luzerne Township.
The inmate, now at SCI-Smithfield in Huntingdon County, said he felt pressured into participating in the sexual acts out of fear that Fahringer would accuse him of sexual assault, according to the criminal complaint. Fahringer also told the inmate she could have his upcoming parole release denied by telling the parole board he wasn’t progressing in his treatment, he said to police.
A security officer at SCI-Smithfield reported the relationship between the two in January, providing copies of letters Fahringer had sent to the inmate at SCI-Smithfield, the complaint said.
Fahringer is charged with institutional sexual assault, official oppression and obstructing administrative law.
The state Department of Corrections did not respond to a message seeking comment about Fahringer’s employment status by press deadline.
She posted an unsecured bond of $50,000.
Fahringer’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 13.