Jose Viera, Sexual Assault, California 2020

Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault of Woman in Federal Custody in Los Angeles

A corrections officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman in custody in Los Angeles. Jose Viera, 49, was assigned to work at Metropolitan Detention Center-Los Angeles (MDC-LA), a federal prison that holds male and female pre-trial detainees and persons serving custodial sentences.

According to court documents, Viera was required to uphold the U.S. Constitution and ensure the safety and security of persons housed at MDC-LA. However, on December 20, 2020, he laid down next to the victim, who was in COVID-19 isolation, and sexually assaulted her, causing her pain and putting her in fear of physical harm.

Viera admitted that he committed this assault despite knowing that the victim did not consent and that his actions violated her constitutional rights. He also lied to federal agents about his misconduct during a voluntary interview with the FBI and the DOJ-OIG.

“The defendant betrayed his oath to uphold the Constitution and targeted a vulnerable woman in custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Civil Rights Division. “We will continue to take action against perpetrators of these sexual assaults while seeking justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes.”

Viera faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. A sentencing date has been set for March 13, 2023.

The case is being investigated by the FBI Los Angeles Field Division and the DOJ-OIG Los Angeles Field Office. The guilty plea serves as a deterrent for such behavior by anyone in a position of power within prison walls.

It is essential to note that corrections officers have a duty to protect the civil rights of all Americans, and a failure to uphold this principle will be met with decisive action.

Viera’s actions undermined the integrity of the justice system and had a detrimental effect on the high-quality work typically performed by his fellow correctional officers.

It is crucial to ensure that inmates feel secure in the presence of corrections officers, and the guilty plea in this case is a step towards holding individuals accountable for their actions.

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