Samuel A. Hart, Sexually Assaulting a Federal Inmate, Alabama 2016

Former Correctional Officer Samuel A. Hart of the Escambia County Detention Center in Alabama has pleaded guilty to a heinous crime: sexually assaulting a federal inmate under his custody.

According to the United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama, Hart engaged in intimate conversations with the inmate, including comments about his private life, during a transport from Coffee County Detention Center to Escambia County Detention Center. Shortly thereafter, Hart pulled the transport vehicle over near an abandoned building alongside Highway 29 North, where he engaged in various sexual acts with the inmate.

Hart, who had been on the job for less than a month, had continually attempted to contact the federal inmate while she was in custody at Escambia County Detention Center. His actions ultimately led to his termination from his position as a corrections officer.

The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Suntrease Williams-Maynard and George May.

United States District Judge Kristi K. DuBose has set a sentencing date for March 18, 2016. At that hearing, Hart faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a potential fine of $250,000.

Hart’s actions are a betrayal of the public’s trust and a serious breach of his duty as a corrections officer. His sentence will serve as a reminder that such behavior will not be tolerated in our society.

The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting the rights and safety of all individuals, particularly those in custody.

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