Monday, October 6, 2025

Hegins Man Charged in Sexual Assault Investigation at SCI Frackville


A corrections sergeant employed at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Frackville has been charged following an investigation into allegations of sexual assault involving an inmate.
William Robert Wagner, 50, of Hegins, was arraigned Monday before Magisterial District Judge Edward Tarantelli. Wagner faces multiple charges, including:
  • Institutional Sexual Assault (F3)
  • Indecent Assault with Threat of Forcible Compulsion (M1)
  • Coercion/Threat of Official Act (M1)
  • Official Oppression (M2)
  • Obstructing Administration of Law (M2)
  • Indecent Exposure (M2)
The alleged incident occurred on September 12, 2025, inside a utility closet within a housing unit at SCI Frackville. 

According to court documents, investigators with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence (BII) launched the probe after the facility’s security office reported the inmate’s complaint.

The affidavit of probable cause states that Wagner allegedly coerced the inmate by threatening disciplinary action and then engaged in sexual acts inside the housing unit closet. Investigators later collected physical evidence, including clothing, biological samples, and surveillance video from the prison. Forensic testing reportedly confirmed DNA evidence linking Wagner to the incident.

Following the investigation, Wagner was charged Monday, arraigned, and released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Wagner’s employment status with the DOC has not yet been publicly addressed.