Philadelphia Federal Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse, Civil Rights Violation

Overview

• Michael Jefferson, 43, of Cherry Hill, N.J., admitted in federal court to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a ward, and deprivation of rights under color of law.
• According to the Justice Department, Jefferson entered the woman’s cell at FDC Philadelphia in the early hours of July 6, 2024, and forced a sexual act that caused bodily injury.
• He has been suspended by the Bureau of Prisons and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 7, with a statutory maximum of life imprisonment.
• A Justice Department memo described by PennLive says prosecutors agreed not to recommend a sentence longer than 30 years in exchange for the plea.
• The incident was investigated by the DOJ Office of Inspector General, the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Claiborne Bisio, and the victim has a pending civil suit alleging the Bureau of Prisons failed to protect her.