DNA on the semen-stained boxer shorts, which were shown to jurors, was identified as Koochembere's.

DeLury asked if the woman was a willing participant in the incident.

"I don't think she had a choice," Koochembere said.

Koochembere said he also engaged in consensual sexual activity with a second woman. In that instance, he fondled her private parts and she fondled his while she was locked in her cell.

Koochembere admitted that he lied to a jury when he testified Feb. 26.

That day, he told jurors that one inmate held a sharp object to his back while the other fondled him.

Koochembere told the jury that one of the women said, "Don't move (expletive), or I'll stick you."

"At that point, I kind of froze. I didn't know what to do," Koochembere said then.

The defense argued that Koochembere was the target of a plot by the women designed to earn them shorter prison terms and monetary gains.

"In fact, you told something that wasn't true to the jury," DeLury said.

"That's correct," Koochembere replied Thursday.

Assistant Prosecutor Matthew D. Weintraub said that Koochembere agreed not to pursue any appeals or post-conviction relief from the courts in exchange for what DeLury called the novel resolution of a post-verdict guilty plea.

The arrangement came about following negotiations between Weintraub and defense attorney Joseph Rodgers.

Rodgers said his client opted to plead guilty under the agreement to bring the case to an end.

"I think he understands that finality is a good thing," Rodgers said.

Also under the agreement, the Prosecutor's Office will not pursue perjury charges against Koochembere.

DeLury noted that prior to this case, Koochembere had no criminal history, but that he took advantage of vulnerable women by abusing his authority at the jail.

DeLury sentenced Koochembere to three years in prison for exhibiting a pattern of official misconduct and two five-year prison terms for official misconduct.

The five-year terms will run concurrently, while the three year term will run consecutively for an aggregate eight-year sentence.

Koochembere also forfeited any future public employment.

His supporters called out, "We love you, Tom," as he was led away from the courtroom.

Outside, the victim said she was satisfied with the outcome and welcomed his admissions.

Weintraub said the sentencing was a good and fair resolution.

"We're satisfied from the state's perspective," he said.

On Feb. 28, a jury found Koochembere guilty of five criminal charges, including two counts of official misconduct, a single count of exhibiting a pattern of official misconduct and two counts of criminal sexual contact.

The criminal sexual contact convictions were merged with the official misconduct charges for sentencing purposes.

He was taken into custody following the convictions and has been held in the Salem County Jail since the trial.

According to county records, Koochembere was hired by the county Sept. 9, 1993, and resigned effective Sept. 2, 2005. At the time of his resignation, his annual salary was $56,107.

To e-mail Trudi Gilfillian at The Press:

TGilfillian@pressofac.com