Former Federal Bureau of Prisons official convicted of sexually abusing Aliceville inmate

A former Federal Bureau of Prisons correctional officer has been convicted of sexually abusing an Alabama inmate. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 39-year-old FBOP officer Robert Smith pleaded guilty in January to sexually abusing an inmate while working at the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville. Court documents and evidence presented during his sentencing allege that Smith engaged in sexual acts with a female inmate in his office in the Buildings Division in or about February 2019. Smith also admitted to engaging in sexual acts with another female inmate the year before, this time in the prison’s locked machine room, which he had access to with a key. “Away from the view of cameras and the eyes of potential witnesses, this defendant sexually abused and assaulted defenseless female inmates, thinking he would get away with his crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This case should send a clear message to correctional officials that we have zero tolerance for sexual assault of women in prisons and detention centers. We encourage survivors of these heinous crimes to report abuses of authority and acts of violence to the FBI. The Department of Justice will continue to aggressively pursue those who violate the civil and constitutional rights of people incarcerated in correctional facilities.”On Thursday, Smith was sentenced to two years in prison, followed by 15 years of probation.>> WVTM 13 ON THE GO: Download our app for free”Robert Smith has been held accountable for abusing his position of trust by sexually assaulting an adult in his care,” said Assistant Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “Today’s verdict is the latest step forward in the Department of Justice’s ongoing campaign to eradicate sexual misconduct in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Department will continue to hold accountable any BOP employee who violates his or her oath to protect those entrusted to his or her care by committing sexual assault.”