A shocking case of corruption within the correctional system has come to light as Abel Concho, a 53-year-old correctional officer at the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to making false statements about engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a jail inmate under his care and supervision.
According to court documents, Concho made a series of false statements during an administrative interview with federal investigators on July 28, 2021. He initially denied any sexual contact with the victim but later claimed to have had intercourse with the inmate only once or twice. However, Concho admitted in his plea agreement that he had engaged in sexual contact with the victim on approximately 35 different occasions.
The investigation revealed that Concho had also smuggled a cellphone into the facility and provided it to the victim to take nude photographs for him. This is a serious offense that could lead to termination for a Bureau of Prisons employee. Concho admitted that he knew it was a federal crime and could result in termination for engaging in any sexual act with a person in official detention and under his custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority.
As part of his plea agreement, Concho agreed not to seek employment in any law enforcement capacity or a position that requires carrying a firearm. He was also ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and pay $9,500 in restitution to the victim.
United States District Judge R. Gary Klausner has scheduled a February 7, 2022 sentencing hearing, at which time Concho will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced the guilty plea, which was the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Justice Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case highlights the importance of holding correctional officers accountable for their actions and ensuring that inmates are protected from exploitation and abuse.
Defendant: Abel Concho, 53, of East Los Angeles
Crime: Making false statements
City and State: Los Angeles, California
Date: July 28, 2021
Sentence: Five years in federal prison, $9,500 in restitution, and 100 hours of community service
Dollar Amount: $9,500
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Public Corruption|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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