A former Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) corrections officer has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a female inmate in his custody, in violation of the law and his sworn duty as a corrections officer.
Robert D. Smith, 38, entered his plea in federal court to one count of sexual abuse of a ward. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Smith worked as a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville (FCI-Aliceville), Alabama. As part of his duties, Smith was to ensure the safety and security of inmates housed at FCI-Aliceville and to uphold the U.S. Constitution.
According to court documents, Smith knowingly engaged in a sexual act with T.M., a female inmate in official detention, who was under Smith’s custodial, supervisory, or disciplinary authority. Smith also admitted to sexually abusing another inmate on a different occasion.
“Today, Robert Smith pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a woman in his custody, in violation of the law and his sworn duty as a Federal Bureau of Prisons officer,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “This prosecution is the latest example of the Justice Department holding to account those who exploit their positions of authority within the Federal Bureau of Prisons and working to eliminate sexual assault from our prison systems.”
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 29. The Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG), the Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are working together on the case.
“Sexual abuse of prison inmates by federal corrections officers is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama. “My office will continue to aggressively prosecute and bring to justice those who abuse their authority and prey on vulnerable people they are sworn to protect and keep safe.”
Related Federal Cases
- Robert William Melanson, Running Child Sexual Abuse Website, AL, 2023 · Texas
- Orlando Miguel Valenzuela, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Tucson AZ, 2023 · California
- Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Orphans · Texas
- James Doe, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Hartford CT, 2024 · Texas
- Christopher Helmick, Child Abuse Image Possession, Youngstown OH, 2025 · Ohio
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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