Montgomery County corrections officer accused of sexually assaulting inmate to be arraigned today

DAYTON — A former Montgomery County corrections officer who was indicted for allegedly sexually assaulting a female victim at the Montgomery County Jail is scheduled to be arraigned in court today.

Franco Villella, 23, of Troy was indicted Dec. 21 on two counts of sexual battery, according to court records.

A notice of probationary release obtained by this news organization and signed Dec. 13 indicated Villella’s termination said, “This action results from your violations of Jail policy causing criminal charges to be brought against you.” The document was signed by Villella and Sheriff Phil Plummer.

Personnel records indicate Villella started July 9 at a salary of $17.22 per hour. In a Nov. 11 performance evaluation, Villella got six As in ratings categories and one B for “work judgments/decision making.” The evaluation noted one negative entry for failing to “roll gates and housing an inmate in the wrong location” and one positive note for a theft suspect wanted in a Dayton police case.

Villella was working Dec. 11 when he allegedly took the victim down a hallway to a restroom and forced her to submit to sexual conduct, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office.

"Incarcerated inmates, whether in a jail or a prison, have the right to be safe, especially from the corrections staff. This defendant took advantage of his position and authority as a Corrections Officer and assaulted the victim,” Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. said.

He has been released from probationary employment at the jail, Maj. Matt Haines of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said.

Villella is out of jail on electronic home detention.

This story will be updated with any new information that emerges from today’s arraignment.