NDCS employee arrested on multiple charges

LINCOLN, Neb. -- An assistant warden in the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services was arrested on multiple charges Tuesday.

45-year-old Sarah Nelson Torsiello, an assistant warden at the Reception and Treatment Center (RTC), was arrested by the Nebraska State Patrol for unauthorized communication with a prisoner and sexual abuse of an inmate. Both are felony offenses.

Torsiello has been employed by NDCS since August 8, 2003. She has held multiple positions at the Nebraska State Penitentiary and the RTC (formerly the Diagnostic and Evaluation Center and the Lincoln Correctional Center). Following her arrest, Torsiello was booked into the Lancaster County jail. She resigned her position with NDCS.

“It is extremely disappointing that someone in this position now faces felony charges. These are serious offenses,” said NDCS Director Scott R. Frakes. “Inappropriate behavior involving a member of the inmate population will not be tolerated in NDCS.”