Former Bureau of Prisons Doctor Charged with Sexually Abusing Inmates
ATLANTA - Dr. Lewis Jackson, 30, of Atlanta was arraigned today on a federal indictment that alleges he sexually abused inmates in his care while he was employed as a physician at United States Penitentiary in Atlanta. Jackson was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Justin Anand and was released on bond. Jackson was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 28, 2012.
United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates said, “The charges unsealed today allege that while a physician with the Bureau of Prisons, Dr. Jackson sexually abused inmates under his care and custody. His actions betrayed the trust placed in him to provide appropriate medical care to federal prisoners during their incarceration.”
Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz noted that, in addition to victimizing inmates, the actions of the defendant also undermined the integrity and safety of the correctional facility, other inmates, and other correctional officers. Horowitz stated: “The OIG recognizes the actions of a few do not reflect on the hard work and high standards of the men and women of the Department of Justice; however, the misconduct of those few who engage in corrupt actions must not and will not be tolerated.”
According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court, from January 2011 through July 2012, Jackson was a physician at the United States Penitentiary (USP) in Atlanta where he provided medical care to inmates in USP's medical ward. The USP houses medium security male inmates and has a satellite camp for minimum security male inmates.
The indictment alleges that in October 2011, Jackson molested three inmates who were seeking medical treatment at the USP. In each case, Jackson tried to perform oral sex on the inmates during the course of their medical exams. In one case, Jackson also attempted to engage in anal sex with an inmate.
Jackson was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Georgia on August 28, 2012, and charged with three counts of sexually abusing a ward and one count of lying to federal agents. The most serious charges relating to the sexual abuse of the inmates carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding, but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
Jackson was charged last week in the Superior Court of the District Columbia with three counts of sexually abusing another inmate in the District of Columbia Jail in 2008. According to that indictment, Jackson performed a series of sex acts on the inmate after he sought medical treatment while in jail. Jackson was on bond in that case at the time of his arrest in Atlanta. Trial in the D.C. case is set to begin on January 17, 2013.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and demonstrates the commitment of the OIG to vigorously investigate and refer for prosecution any corrupt federal correctional officers.
Assistant United States Attorney Kurt R. Erskine is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Information Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the HomePage for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia is www.justice.gov/usao/gan.
