Former federal prison officer from Alabama receives two years in prison for sexually abusing an inmate

A former correctional officer at a federal prison in Alabama was convicted Thursday of sexually abusing an inmate more than five years ago, prosecutors said.

Robert D. Smith, a 39-year-old former correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institution at Aliceville in Pickens County, was sentenced to two years in a federal prison followed by 15 years of probation.

On January 11, he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a ward.

“Robert Smith was 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 in the Justice Department’s ongoing campaign to root out sexual misconduct in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Department will continue to hold accountable any BOP employee who violates their oath to protect those entrusted to their care by sexually assaulting them.”

According to court records and evidence, Smith abused the inmate while he and the victim were in his office in the prison unit. There were no cameras and the assault took place away from other inmates and correctional officers, prosecutors said.

“Correctional officials have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of inmates in our nation’s prisons,” said 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 correctional officers who mistreat inmates and abuse the public trust.”

Smith also admitted to sexually abusing another inmate on another occasion.

Additionally, between July 6, 2018, and November 15, 2018, Smith, in his capacity as an officer, knowingly engaged in sexual conduct with a female inmate in official custody who was under Smith’s supervisory or disciplinary authority, prosecutors said. Smith committed this offense in the engine room, which he had access to with a key and which was also away from cameras and other inmates and officers.

“Out of sight of cameras and the eyes of potential witnesses, this defendant sexually abused and assaulted defenseless female inmates and thought 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 cases of abuse of authority and violence to the FBI. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively pursue those who violate the civil and constitutional rights of people in correctional facilities.”

Michael E. Horowitz, Inspector General of the Department of Justice, added: “Today’s ruling holds Smith accountable for the serious crimes he committed. Smith sexually abused several inmates by taking them to areas of the prison where there were no cameras. As the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has repeatedly stated, the FBOP’s effective use of cameras is critical to preventing and deterring such criminal offenses in its facilities.”