A former corrections officer at the Allegheny County Jail, convicted in May of having illegal sexual contact with female inmates, was sentenced yesterday to up to 28 years in prison.

Another former guard who pleaded guilty to fondling and kissing an inmate was sentenced to probation.

Common Pleas Judge Donna Jo McDaniel looked outside sentencing guidelines in levying four consecutive terms of 2 1/2 to 7 years against LeShawn Walker, 33, of Duquesne.

McDaniel, who is administrative judge for the criminal division, could have ordered the sentences to be served concurrently.

Defense attorney Wendy Williams said she believes her client was punished because he did not plead guilty in exchange for a more lenient sentence.

"Probation was in the mitigated range. It just shows that you can't go to trial," Williams said.

Walker was tried for having sexual encounters with eight inmates, all of whom said he led them to believe their relationships were exclusive.

Walker was found guilty of four counts of institutional sexual assault. On four other counts he was found not guilty or charges were withdrawn.

Under state law, jail and prison guards can be convicted of institutional sexual assault, because they hold so much authority over their captive accusers. It is a crime even if the acts are consensual.

"I think it's a fair sentence in light of the years of sexual misconduct he committed with these women," said Deputy District Attorney Diane Berman, who directed the grand jury investigation that resulted in the charges against 13 corrections officers.

"I feel terrible for anyone else who goes to jail, because I've been there," said one woman, 32, who said she fell in love with Walker while she was in jail.

"I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy," she said. "Then I found out that I wasn't the only one [assaulted by Walker]. He used me when I was at my lowest."

The woman said she now is drug-free, working a steady job, and has resumed a relationship with her 10-year-old daughter.

Seven guards, including Walker, have pleaded or been found guilty, while one has been acquitted. More are awaiting trial.

The seventh, Charles Richard Miller, 35, of Industry, Beaver County, pleaded guilty to one count of institutional sexual assault. A second count was withdrawn.

Miller was sentenced to three years probation.

Officials in county government, law enforcement and at the jail still are facing a lawsuit filed by another guard who mistakenly was arrested because he has the same first and last names as Miller.