Michael Jefferson, a 42-year-old correctional officer from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts, including aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, and the deprivation of civil rights. The charges stem from his alleged sexual abuse of an inmate at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) in Philadelphia.
The indictment accuses Jefferson of using force to engage in a sexual act with a victim on or about July 6, 2024, which resulted in bodily harm. It further claims that, under color of law, Jefferson willfully violated the victim's constitutional rights by subjecting her to cruel and unusual punishment, specifically the right to be free from sexual abuse by a correctional officer.
Suspended by the Bureau of Prisons, Jefferson could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted. The investigation is being carried out by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, with Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Claiborne leading the prosecution.
United States Attorney David Metcalf reminded that "the charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations," and that "every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court."
