New Mexico doctor accused of abusing prisoners

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A doctor who treated inmates at some prisons in New Mexico is accused of sexually abusing nearly 20 inmates.

The Albuquerque Journal reports (http://bit.ly/10YBX3z) that two lawsuits allege eighteen inmates at prisons in Santa Rosa and Clayton were fondled or giving intrusive exams by the prison physician at the time, Dr. Mark E. Walden.

The prisons in Santa Rosa and Clayton are operated under contract with the state by the Boca Raton, Fla.-based GEO group.

Walden didn't return a call seeking comment.

A contractor that provides health care services in New Mexico's prisons declined to comment on the suits, but pointed out that Walder is no longer on the firm's staff.

GEO Group spokesman Pablo Paez declined to comment on the cases, but noted that Walden isn't a GEO employee.

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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com