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Former BOP Officer Sentenced to 10 Years for Sexually Assaulting Inmate in LA Jail
A former corrections officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) who sexually assaulted a woman in custody has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Jose Viera, 49, of Monterey Park, was sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II, who ordered Viera immediately remanded into custody.
Viera pleaded guilty in May 2022 to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. In December 2020, Viera was assigned to supervise incarcerated women who were quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure and infection at the Metropolitan Detention Center-Los Angeles (MDC-LA). During the morning of December 20, 2020, Viera entered the cell of the victim, who was in COVID-19 isolation, as he had done on previous occasions to bring her breakfast. Instead, Viera laid down next to the victim in her bed, sandwiching her between his body and the wall, and then sexually assaulted her.
“By breaching his duty of trust, Viera harmed not only the victim, but also the system of justice he was entrusted to serve,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “My office will continue in its mission to ensure that no one is above the law, regardless of their position, and that victims receive justice.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division added, “A corrections officer’s job is to ensure the safety and security of those in custody. Instead, the defendant’s actions did just the opposite, destroying this woman’s sense of peace and trust in law enforcement.”
Viera was also found to have lied to federal agents about the sexual assault allegations during a voluntary interview. The FBI and DOJ-OIG investigated this matter, and Assistant United States Attorney Thomas F. Rybarczyk, Special Litigation Counsel Fara Gold, and Trial Attorney Nikhil Ramnaney prosecuted the case.
Donald Alway, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, stated, “Mr. Viera abdicated his duty and obligation to treat the prisoners in his care with dignity. The FBI prioritizes cases involving abuse under the color of law and works with our partners to bring justice to those who deny others their Constitutionally protected rights.”
Special Agent in Charge Zachary Shroyer for the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General, Los Angeles Field Office, added, “Viera abused his power and sexually assaulted the inmate in her cell while she was extremely vulnerable in COVID-19 isolation. Today’s sentencing shows that Correctional Officers that abuse inmates will be brought to justice.”
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Sex Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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