A former security guard at a Phoenix residential reentry center has been sentenced to 13 months in prison for sexually abusing a female inmate under his supervision.
Morris Gary Hibbitt, 51, of Avondale, was sentenced by United States District Judge G. Murray Snow on April 14, 2025, to 13 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for sexual abuse of an inmate. Hibbitt is also required to register as a sex offender.
The abuse occurred on May 21, 2023, while Hibbitt was on duty as the Security Supervisor at Behavioral Systems Southwest (BSS) in Phoenix. BSS is a residential reentry center contracted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to aid inmates in their transition back into the community while completing their prison sentences.
Inmates at BSS are in official detention and remain under the custodial authority of the BOP. The investigation into the abuse was conducted by the Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Kristen Brook, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, handling the prosecution.
Hibbitt’s abuse of the inmate was a serious breach of trust and authority. As a security guard, he was responsible for the safety and well-being of those in his care, not for exploiting them for his own gratification.
The case is a reminder that abuse of power and authority can have severe consequences. Hibbitt’s sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and serves as a cautionary tale for anyone in a position of power who would seek to exploit those under their care.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-00992-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-059_Hibbitt
Related Federal Cases
- Eric David Marrufo, Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Arizona 2006 · Colorado
- Orlando Miguel Valenzuela, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Arizona 2023 · Alabama
- Anthony Ray Shirley, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Arizona 2016 · Colorado
- Kendall Anagal, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Arizona 2024 · Arizona
- Kendall Anagal, Sexual Abuse, Arizona 2024 · Arizona
Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- 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