Lenton Jerome Hatten, Sexual Abuse of an Inmate, Florida 2022
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - Lenton Jerome Hatten, 54, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted on a serious charge.
A federal grand jury has charged Hatten with one count of sexual abuse of an individual in federal custody, announced Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that between October 2021 and August 2022, Hatten engaged in sexual acts with an inmate while employed as a sports specialist for the Bureau of Prisons.
According to the indictment, Hatten's actions are a clear violation of the trust placed in him as a federal correctional officer.
Hatten made his initial appearance in federal court to face the charge this afternoon. Trial for Hatten is set for June 5, 2023, at 8:15 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before the Honorable Senior United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
If convicted, Hatten faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, 5 years to Life on supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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