Former Federal Corrections Officer Arrested For Sexual Assault Of An Inmate
by Alex Lloyd Gross
Michael Jefferson, 42, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, was a Correctional Officer at the Philadelphia Detention Center, located in center city Philadelphia. He is no longer employed there but he may be staying there as a resident, after he was arrested for raping an inmate.
According to the US Attorney, on July 6, 2024 he forced a female inmate to engage in a sexual act, which caused injuries to the inmate. This is a violation of the inmates constitutional rights. The indictment further alleges that, while acting under color of law, Jefferson willfully deprived the victim of her right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment, a right secured and protected by the Constitution and laws of the United States, which includes the right to be free from sexual abuse by a correctional officer.
It is illegal for an inmate and guard to have any kind of sexual relationship, even if the inmate initiates it and wants it.
If convicted, Jefferson could spend the rest of his life in prison. He has been suspended pending the outcome of his trial.