Crime & Safety
Prison Guard From Cherry Hill Pleads Guilty To Sexually Abusing Inmate
The corrections officer raped an inmate and injured her while working at a federal prison, according to court documents.
PHILADELPHIA — A federal prison guard from Cherry Hill pleaded guilty Wednesday to sexually assaulting an inmate.
Michael Jefferson, 43, raped a woman while working as a corrections officer at Federal Detention Center Philadelphia in July 2024, according to an indictment filed in May.
The Cherry Hill resident injured the victim during the assault, and he deprived her of her constitutional rights by subjecting her to cruel and unusual punishment, said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf.
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Jefferson pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a ward, and deprivation of rights under color of law. He was charged with the offenses by indictment in May and has been suspended from his position since that time, Metcalf said.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 7, when he faces a maximum term of life in prison.
Find out what's happening in Cherry Hillfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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