Prison Officer From Cherry Hill Raped Inmate: Indictment

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A correctional officer from Cherry Hill raped an inmate at a federal prison in Philadelphia, according to an indictment filed Thursday.

Michael Jefferson sexually assaulted the woman on July 6 at Philadelphia's Federal Detention Center, authorities said.

Jefferson injured the victim during the assault, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of Pennsylvania's Eastern District. He also deprived the victim of her right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment, authorities said.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons has suspended Jefferson from his position.

Jefferson, 42, of Cherry Hill, was charged Thursday with aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a ward, sexual abuse, and deprivation of rights under the color of law.

If convicted, the offenses carry the possibility of life in prison.

Jefferson's listed attorney did not immediately respond to Patch.