A former Oahu Community Correctional Center prison guard was sentenced today to 18 months behind bars for sexually assaulting an inmate.Before he was sentenced, Ryan Malasig gave an emotional apology to his victim.
“I would like to apologize to the complainant,” said Malasig.
An overflow of emotions came pouring out from the 44-year-old during his sentencing Thursday.
"It was a bad decision on my part, all I need to let you know is that I am deeply sorry for what had happened,” said Malasig.
In the summer of 2009, Malasig turned himself in to police after an incident was reported by a transgender inmate who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by the guard while in the kitchen at Oahu Community Correctional Center.
"Mr. Malasig was in a position of trust and authority and as a result of that position he took advantage of it,” said deputy prosecutor, Leilani Young.
Malasig pleaded no contest to the charges.
The 33-year-old victim wrote a statement read aloud by the prosecuting attorney in the courtroom. "Your honor what I want you to know is how much pain and suffering this defendant has caused me. Mr Malasig you have hurt me physically and emotionally.”
A year and eight months after the incident, the victim suffers from depression, nightmares and requires therapy along with several types of medication taken daily.
"Sometimes I have no control over my mind and body and I am so angry for what you did to me,” said the victim.
Prosecutors were asking for the maximum prison term of 10 years and the victim also sought restitution for treatment.
"I want you to have to pay for what you did, you went above the law and violated your promise your oath to protect and serve,” said the victim through a written statement.
"I will take full responsibility. It’s all my fault,” said Malasig.
Malasig was sentenced to 18 months in prison with probation and he must register as a sex offender and pay more than $5,500 in restitution.
