United States Attorney David Metcalf has announced the arrest of Michael Jefferson, a 42-year-old correctional officer working at Federal Detention Center Philadelphia. He is charged with several offenses, including aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and sexual abuse of a ward, as well as deprivation of rights under the color of law. The charges stem from accusations of sexual abuse against an inmate under his supervision.
According to the indictment, the incident took place on or about July 6, 2024. Jefferson is alleged to have used force to compel the victim to engage in a sexual act, resulting in bodily harm. Further claims within the indictment state that Jefferson, while operating under his official capacity, willfully violated the victim's constitutional rights to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, specifically protection from sexual abuse by a correctional officer.
As a result of the indictment, Jefferson has been suspended from his position by the Bureau of Prisons. If found guilty, he faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Claiborne.
All charges are currently allegations, with Jefferson presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.