A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) correctional officer pleaded guilty today to three counts of sexual abuse of a ward.
Jacob Salcido, 40, of Lexington, Kentucky, admitted to engaging in sexual acts with three inmates between September 5, 2020, and December 21, 2020, while employed as a correctional officer at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Lexington. According to his plea agreement, Salcido acknowledged that he was aware that any sexual contact between FMC staff and inmates was strictly forbidden and constituted a federal crime.
“Jacob Salcido blatantly exploited his power as a correctional officer by sexually abusing three women in his custody,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “The Justice Department’s commitment to eradicating sexual abuse within the ranks of the Federal Bureau of Prisons continues through every case we prosecute. Today’s guilty plea is the latest but certainly not the last in our efforts to eradicate sexual abuse in federal prisons.”
“Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officers are responsible for fostering a safe and humane environment for inmates to serve out their sentences,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. “Instead, Salcido abused his authority and sexually abused three inmates that were in his custody and care. The DOJ OIG is committed to aggressively investigating these types of allegations and bringing perpetrators to justice.”
“Instead of ensuring the safety and security of those in his care, the defendant chose to maliciously prey on vulnerable individuals and betrayed an important obligation to the public,” said U.S. Attorney Carlton S. Shier IV for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “This disgraceful conduct has done enduring damage to his victims. It has also eroded trust in faithful public servants who perform their civic duties honorably. We are committed to our efforts to protect individuals and combat abuses by those who callously betray their responsibilities.”
Salcido is scheduled for sentencing on December 13.
He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
DOJ-OIG and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zach Dembo for the Eastern District of Kentucky is prosecuting the case.
FBOP remains committed to rooting out misconduct within its ranks and working with law enforcement partners to prosecute violations of federal law. The numerous FBOP employees working diligently to ensure justice for victims of misconduct are critical to the department’s reform efforts.