Ivory S. Cousins, a former correctional officer from Glassboro, New Jersey, has been convicted of multiple offenses related to the violation of an inmate's civil rights. While employed at the Philadelphia Department of Prisons, Cousins was found guilty of three counts of depriving the inmate of his civil rights under the color of law and one count of filing a false report concerning the incident.
The charges were first brought against Cousins in August 2024. She was accused of ignoring the inmate's significant injuries inflicted by fellow inmates, using pepper spray on him, assisting another inmate in theft from the assaulted individual, and obstructing the investigation into the incident.
During the trial, evidence demonstrated that while working at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, Cousins was aware of the inmate's assault and severe injuries but failed to provide necessary medical attention. She actively blocked a superior officer from discovering the victim's condition. After her partner called for medical help, Cousins allegedly employed excessive force by pepper spraying the injured inmate before he could receive medical care.
Further violations by Cousins included helping another inmate to steal from the victim's cell. In her official report on the incident, Cousins falsely described the victim as aggressive and falsely claimed he participated in a fight and wielded a weapon.
Cousins' sentencing is scheduled for July 24. She could face a maximum sentence of 41 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf emphasized, “Prisoners still have civil rights, and we will prosecute all violations committed by officials entrusted with their security.” Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, stated, “Today’s verdict illustrates that no one is above the law, especially those who swear an oath to uphold it.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everett Witherell and Jessica Rice.
