Former FDC Philadelphia Correctional Officer Who Sexually Abused Inmate, Violated Inmate’s Civil Rights, Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

PHILADELPHIA - United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Michael Jefferson, 43, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, was sentenced today to 360 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release by United States District Judge Joshua D. Wolson for the sexual abuse of a Federal Detention Center ("FDC") inmate under his authority and violation of that inmate's civil rights.

The defendant was charged by indictment in May of last year and pleaded guilty in December to 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.

As detailed in court filings and statements, in the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, Jefferson, while on duty as a correctional officer at the FDC Philadelphia, entered the cell of an inmate and forcibly sexually assaulted the inmate, 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.

This case was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, with the assistance of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Claiborne Bisio.