Related Federal Cases
- Ronald W. Allen Jr., Child Sex Abuse, Louisiana 2016 · Louisiana
- Eric Britton, Sex Abuse of Minor, Louisiana 2023 · Louisiana
- Zayne Ghandi Anderson, Sex Trafficking of a Minor, Louisiana 2016 · Louisiana
- Maurice Antuan Speights, Sexual Abuse, Louisiana 2013 · Louisiana
- James Fernando Rhodes, Failure to Update Sex Offender Registration, Louisiana 2016 · Indiana
Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Prison Sex Abuse
A former corrections officer at the LaSalle Parish Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to a federal crime. Joseph Taunton, 31, of Jonesville, Louisiana, admitted to engaging in a sexual act with a federal detainee under his supervision.
The crime occurred on December 16, 2010, while Taunton was working as an officer at the detention center. According to the Justice Department, Taunton’s actions violated the public trust and abused the rights of the detainee in his custody.
“Those who are sworn to protect our citizens will be held accountable when they violate the public trust and abuse the rights of individuals in their custody,” said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, Stephanie Finley, added, “The defendant violated his oath; he crossed the line. This kind of behavior by prison employees cannot and will not be tolerated, and we will continue to prosecute these types of cases.”
Taunton faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. His sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2011. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Mudrick of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Angie Cha of the Civil Rights Division.
The Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspection General worked on the case. The plea is a reminder that prison employees who engage in abuse of authority will be held accountable for their actions.
Taunton’s case is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining the trust and integrity of our correctional systems. The public expects those in positions of authority to uphold the law and protect the rights of all individuals, including those in custody.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes