PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A federal prison guard in Philadelphia has been charged with sexually abusing an incarcerated woman last year.
Michael Jefferson, 42, of Cherry Hill, is in federal custody. The guard at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia was charged with aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a prisoner, and depriving the victim of her rights.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Jefferson forced a prisoner to have sex with him, lying on top of her during an incident on July 6, 2024. In doing so, officials allege, he subjected her to cruel and unusual punishment.
The indictment against Jefferson was filed April 29 and was unsealed after his arrest. He has been suspended from his job with the Bureau of Prisons.
If convicted, he faces a possible life sentence.