John Greene, Sexual Assault of Female Inmates, New Mexico 2008

A former high-ranking corrections official in New Mexico has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault against female inmates in his custody. John Greene, a 70-year-old former captain at the Gallup-McKinley Adult Detention Center (GMADC), admitted to violating the bodily integrity of three female inmates by engaging in unwanted sexual contact.

Greene’s crimes date back to December 2008 and January 2009, when he used his position to have regular access to female inmates. He would often accompany them to court hearings, transport them to other facilities, and bring them to his office, giving him ample opportunities to engage in unwanted contact.

According to court documents, Greene lied to the FBI about his conduct on two separate occasions, denying any wrongdoing. However, he eventually admitted to making material false statements to the FBI, pleading guilty to two counts of the crime.

The victims of Greene’s abuse were subjected to unwanted sexual contact by a man in a position of authority, leaving them traumatized and vulnerable. The fact that Greene continued to commit these acts despite knowing they were wrong and against the law is a disturbing reminder of the power dynamics at play in prisons.

The investigation into Greene’s crimes was spearheaded by the Gallup Resident Agency of the Albuquerque Division of the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico and Fara Gold of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Greene will be sentenced to five years of probation. He will also forfeit his law enforcement certification and must comply with sex offender registration requirements. A sentencing hearing has not yet been set.

Greene’s crimes highlight the need for greater accountability and oversight in our prison systems. The fact that a corrections official was able to abuse his position of power for so long is a disturbing reminder of the need for stronger laws and regulations to protect the vulnerable.

Related Federal Cases