FDC Philadelphia Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse, Violating Inmate’s Civil Rights

PHILADELPHIA - United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Michael Jefferson, 43, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a correctional officer at Federal Detention Center (FDC) Philadelphia, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Judge Joshua D. Wolson Wednesday afternoon on one count of aggravated sexual abuse, one count of sexual abuse, one count of sexual abuse of a ward, and one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, arising from his sexual abuse of an FDC inmate under his authority.

The defendant was charged with those offenses by indictment in May of this year.

As detailed in court filings and statements, in the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, Jefferson entered the cell of an inmate at the FDC and forced the victim to engage in a sexual act, resulting in bodily injury to the victim. 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.

Jefferson has been suspended from his position by the Bureau of Prisons.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 7 and faces a maximum possible term of life imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Claiborne Bisio.