Former Alabama Federal Prison Officer Sentenced to 2 Years for Sexuàlly Abusing Inmate

{TheChronicle.cc} –A former corrections officer at an Alabama federal prison was sentenced Thursday for sexually abusing an inmate over five years ago, according to prosecutors.

Robert D. Smith, a 39-year-old ex-officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville, Pickens County, received a two-year federal prison sentence followed by 15 years of supervised release.

“Robert Smith has been held accountable for abusing his position of trust by sexually assaulting an adult in his custody,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today’s sentence is a significant step in the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to eliminate sexual misconduct within the Federal Bureau of Prisons. We will continue to hold any BOP employee who violates their oath by committing sexual assault accountable.”

Court documents and trial evidence revealed that Smith sexually abused a female inmate in his office within the facilities department, an area without camera coverage and away from other inmates and officers.

“Corrections officers have the responsibility to ensure the safety and security of those incarcerated in our nation’s prisons,” stated Prim F. Escalona, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute officers who abuse inmates and betray their public trust.”

Smith also admitted to sexually abusing another inmate on a separate occasion. Between July 6, 2018, and Nov. 15, 2018, while acting as an officer, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a female inmate under his custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority.

This incident occurred in the mechanical room, which he accessed with a key and was also free from camera surveillance and other witnesses.

“Out of view of cameras and witnesses, this defendant sexually abused vulnerable women inmates, believing he would escape justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

“This case sends a clear message to officials in correctional settings: we have zero tolerance for sexual assaults of incarcerated women.

We urge survivors of such crimes to report acts of official misconduct and violence to the FBI. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute those who violate the civil and constitutional rights of people in correctional facilities.”

Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz added, “Today’s sentencing holds Smith accountable for the serious crimes he committed. Smith abused multiple inmates by taking them to areas of the prison without camera coverage.

As the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has repeatedly found, effective camera use by the FBOP is crucial in preventing and deterring such criminal behavior at its facilities.”