UTICA, NEW YORK – A former New York state corrections officer who previously attempted to cover up the fatal beating of an inmate has been charged with sexually abusing a woman.
Joshua Bartlett, 49, of Utica, was arrested Monday following a months-long investigation. Court records indicate the alleged abuse occurred in September 2022, though authorities have not specified the location. Bartlett formerly worked at Mid-State Correctional Facility, an all-male prison.
He faces three counts of first-degree sexual abuse, a felony, and three counts of forcible touching, a misdemeanor. Bartlett is being held in Oneida County Jail on $100,000 cash bail, $300,000 bond, or $900,000 partially secured bond.
Bartlett is already serving a two-year prison sentence for his role in covering up the fatal beating of Messiah Nantwi at Mid-State. He pleaded guilty to felony hindering prosecution and falsifying business records and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors against other former corrections officers. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick confirmed Bartlett is the same individual involved in the Nantwi case and said he will consult with Bartlett’s attorney regarding whether the new charges could impact his prior plea agreement.