Ocala Man Faces Up to 30 Years for Allegedly Exploiting Position at FCC Coleman
United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe today announced the return of an indictment charging Cornelius Alexander Thompson, 38, of Ocala, with serious federal crimes stemming from his employment as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman).
Thompson faces one count of sexual abuse of a ward in federal custody and one count of receipt of a bribe by a public official.
If convicted on all counts, Thompson could face a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. The indictment also includes a notification that the United States is seeking a forfeiture order in the amount of $24,550, which represents the alleged proceeds of the bribery offense.
Allegations of Misconduct
According to the indictment, Thompson was employed by the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons. The charges detail two distinct forms of alleged misconduct committed while he was on duty.
First, between January 2020 and August 9, 2023, Thompson is accused of engaging in a sexual act with a federal inmate who was under his custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority at the prison.
Federal law strictly prohibits sexual contact between correctional staff and inmates, regardless of whether the inmate consents, due to the inherent power imbalance and the custodial nature of the relationship.
Second, the indictment alleges that Thompson participated in a bribery scheme. Between January 2020 and April 29, 2024, he is accused of receiving money in return for being influenced to smuggle contraband into FCC Coleman.
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