PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A woman is suing a former corrections officer over allegations he raped her during her time on suicide watch at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia.
Michael Jefferson, a former prison guard at the federal detention center, was indicted earlier this year on sexual abuse charges. A new lawsuit filed by the alleged victim seeks to obtain damages from injuries suffered when she claims Jefferson entered her cell in July 2024 and raped her while she slept.
Jaehyun Oh is the woman’s attorney and said the suit also accuses the U.S. Bureau of Prisons of failing to protect an inmate on suicide watch.
“This is separate and apart from the prosecutorial process against the guard for doing this conduct,” said Oh. “The plaintiff was already on a higher observation status due to the recent suicide attempt that she had made.”
Jefferson is still standing trial in his criminal case. He is charged with aggravated sexual abuse and other offenses.
He could face decades behind bars if convicted.