Clay County Courthouse
MOORHEAD (KFGO) – A jury has acquitted a former Clay County correctional officer accused of having a sexual relationship with an inmate.
Chloe Nord was charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Prosecutors claimed Nord became romantically involved with the inmate between November of last year and her last day of work in January.
Nord is accused of exchanging messages with the inmate, including notes and a letter. The inmate told investigators Nord touched him sexually on two occasions. Nord denied physical contact happened, but admitted she was communicating with the inmate. She says she “fell under his spell.”
Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting previously told KFGO he became aware of potential misconduct after Nord was no longer employed with the correctional facility. He said, upon learning of the allegations, he immediately asked for an investigation to be launched. After a thorough review of the investigative findings, the Clay County Attorney’s Office determined that charges were warranted.
A trial for Nord started Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Clay County District Court. On Thursday, the jury found her not guilty on both counts.
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