Jimmy Lee Highsmith, Sexual Abuse of a Ward, Florida 2021

Tallahassee, Florida – Former correctional officer Jimmy Lee Highsmith, 42, of Marianna, has been sentenced to 48 months in federal prison for sexually abusing an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee.

Highsmith was convicted by a federal jury in December 2021 of one count of sexual abuse of a ward while on duty. The abuse occurred between March and April 2014.

Evidence presented at trial included testimony and exhibits that revealed Highsmith ordered a female inmate to meet him in his office and the officers’ bathroom to engage in illicit sexual acts. Surveillance video footage confirmed that on April 30, 2014, Highsmith and the inmate were caught engaging in sexual acts between 11:30 p.m. and midnight in his office.

The victim disclosed the abuse the next day and was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, where a sexual assault examination confirmed injuries resulting from the abuse.

“The sexual abuse of inmates by federal correctional officers is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody. “Those sentenced to prison are to atone for their crimes and gain skills that will enable them to return as productive members of society.”

Highsmith’s prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to sex offender conditions.

This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Lazaro P. Fields prosecuted the case.

Highsmith’s abuse of power and position of authority has left a lasting impact on the victim and the community. His sentence serves as a reminder that those in positions of trust will be held accountable for their actions.

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