Miguel Hidalgo, a federal correctional officer in Florida, has pleaded guilty to assaulting an inmate and depriving him of his civil rights under the color of law. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Hidalgo, aged 34, could face up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date is yet to be determined.
The plea agreement reveals that on August 22, 2022, while working at the Federal Correctional Complex Coleman for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Hidalgo entered a cell where two inmates were handcuffed behind their backs. Inside the cell, he pushed one inmate to the floor and struck him multiple times in the face and chest area. After being spat on by the inmate as he exited the cell, Hidalgo requested to reenter and continued to strike and kick the inmate. The victim sustained injuries including multiple rib fractures and facial contusions.
By committing these acts, Hidalgo willfully violated the inmate's constitutional right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment by someone acting under color of law.
The case was investigated by the Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.