Philadelphia Correctional Officer Charged with Sexual Abuse of Inmate

Michael Jefferson, a 42-year-old corrections officer from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has been indicted on multiple charges including aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a ward, and deprivation of rights under color of law after allegedly sexually assaulting a female inmate at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia on July 6, 2024. Prosecutors allege Jefferson used force during the incident, resulting in injuries to the victim, and that he willfully deprived her of her constitutional right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment. The indictment details that Jefferson pinned the inmate to the ground and assaulted her while acting in his official capacity. Jefferson has been suspended from his position with the Bureau of Prisons following his arrest. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Authorities emphasized that these are allegations and Jefferson is presumed innocent until proven guilty.