Robert D. Smith, Sexually Abusing Inmates, Alabama 2024

Birmingham, Ala., May 28, 2024 – A shocking case of corruption has come to light in the federal corrections system, as a Bureau of Prisons Corrections Officer has been charged with sexually abusing two female inmates.

Robert D. Smith, a corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville, Ala., has been indicted on two counts of sexually abusing two female inmates, T.M. and R.-R-L. The indictment alleges that Smith knowingly engaged in sexual acts with both individuals while they were under his custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority.

The alleged abuse is a stark reminder of the trust that has been broken in our correctional facilities. The victims, who have not been named to protect their identities, were in the custody of Smith, who was supposed to be their protector.

Smith faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison on each charge, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted. This is a serious case that requires a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona for the Northern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert O. Posey for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division's Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding corrections officers accountable for their actions and ensuring that our correctional facilities are safe and secure for all inmates.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndal/pr/bureau-prisons-corrections-officer-charged-sexually-abusing-two-female-inmates