SPRINGFIELD, Vt. (AP) – Officials say it’s unlikely a firefighter who allegedly traded cigarettes to female inmates at the Windsor prison for nude photos will face criminal charges.

Windsor County State’s Attorney Robert Sand said the incident seems more like a consensual trade than a type of blackmail, making it doubtful that criminal charges could be proven in court.

“I’m not too familiar with what happened, but it’s probably not a crime, although it’s certainly not conduct we would want to encourage,” Sand said.

The only possible charge that could be considered would be for lewd and lascivious conduct – a felony, Sand said.

“From what I’ve heard, it really doesn’t sound like a crime,” Sand said.

Officials at the Southeast State Correctional Facility said they are looking into a possible extortion charge against the firefighter.

“We’re going to talk with the attorney general’s office and the local state’s attorney’s office to see if any criminal action can be taken,” Superintendent William Soule said.

Department of Corrections officials heard of the allegation Tuesday. During an investigation, officials found a disposable camera at the Springfield fire house containing nude pictures of female prisoners.

The pictures were taken while a work crew of six to 10 women inmates were painting the Springfield fire house as part of their community service. The women were supervised by one community service supervisor.

Officials found the camera before any of the pictures were developed, Soule said. He called the photos “inappropriate.”

Southeast State – which houses 89 female inmates, the most in the state – has suspended its work crew program while prison officials examine current practices, Soule said.

“We’re currently reviewing our work crew program to find out what’s working and what isn’t working,” he said.

AP-ES-03-26-04 1526EST