JOSEPH FRANCIS BUTLER, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Oklahoma 2023

A federal jury in Oklahoma City has convicted 34-year-old JOSEPH FRANCIS BUTLER of committing aggravated sexual abuse at the Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City.

According to evidence presented at trial, on June 4, 2023, Butler, an inmate at the FTC, entered the cell of another inmate and sexually assaulted him. During the sexual assault, Butler held a shank to the victim’s neck and side.

The victim soon after reported the assault to a corrections officer. The case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Brandon Hale are prosecuting the case. At sentencing, Butler faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

This is not an isolated incident at the Federal Transfer Center. In recent years, there have been several reports of inmate-on-inmate violence and sexual assault.

The conviction of Butler serves as a reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. The FTC has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all inmates and staff.

The case is currently being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma.

For additional information, please refer to public filings.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdok/pr/federal-inmate-convicted-committing-sexual-assault-federal-transfer-center