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A previous correctional officer has been given an eight-year prison term for sexually assaulting numerous female prisoners while employed at a correctional facility in California.
Andrew Jones, a 36-year-old from Clovis, California, was involved in a culture of severe sexual misconduct that included several jail employees, such as the warden and chaplain.
On August 17, he admitted to six instances of sexual abuse against three wards and making a false statement to the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. He received his punishment on Thursday.
After serving time in jail, Jones will be placed on supervised release for an additional 10 years, as stated by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The offenses occurred at the Dublin, California location of the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI).
The Department of Justice reports that Jones worked as a correctional officer at a jail and oversaw prisoners in the Food Services Department.
Beforehand, he acknowledged that from July 2020 to June 2021, while he held power over all the female inmates and could discipline them, he engaged in oral sex and/or sexual intercourse with three female prisoners who were employed in the FCI Dublin kitchen under him.
Jones mistreated the inmates in various locations close to the FCI Dublin kitchen, such as a restroom designated for staff, a storage facility, and a room where cooking tools were stored.
The government contended that Jones used “violence and threats of violence” to compel the prisoners to remain silent and obedient.
According to a document submitted during Jones’ sentencing, it was reported that he used both intimidation and flattery to manipulate compliant prisoners for his own sexual gratification. He believed that his actions would not be reported and therefore remained safe.
Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated that the disgraceful and tragic sexual abuse at FCI Dublin will not be tolerated, and the Justice Department is committed to eradicating such behavior from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
This statement illustrates that FBOP workers who misuse their power and harm those under their care will face consequences, as shown by the guilty plea and sentencing of the defendant.
“The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, headed by Michael E. Horowitz, concluded that Jones was part of a larger group of employees at the Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin who engaged in sexual abuse of female inmates. This group included the Warden, Chaplain, and others, and Jones, like the rest of them, has been held responsible for his despicable actions.
The Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General will persistently investigate this reprehensible criminal behavior and use all available means to seek justice for victims of sexual abuse.
Jones’ behavior was characterized by FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate as “sick and reprehensible.”
He stated that the sentencing today is a result of ongoing efforts to stop mistreatment and wrongdoing by jail staff who have been given the responsibility of caring for and safeguarding others.
Jones is among eight correctional officers who have faced federal charges for sexual misconduct at FCI Dublin within the last three years. He is the fourth officer to receive a sentence.
Source: the-independent.com
