Former Correctional Officer Guilty of Abusive Sexual Contact with Inmate

     PHOENIX – Darrell E. McCoy, 51, formerly of Scottsdale, Ariz., was found guilty by a federal jury in Phoenix of two counts of abusive sexual contact with an inmate under his supervision. The case was tried before U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes last week. Sentencing is set for Feb. 25, 2019. 

     The evidence at trial showed that in late 2016, while acting as the foreman of a crew of female inmates, Correctional Officer McCoy began a relationship with an inmate under his supervision.  Between September and December 2016, McCoy had sexual contact with the inmate in different locations on the prison grounds.  McCoy also gave “love notes” to the inmate prior to her release from the facility, and they continued the relationship and exchanged many text messages over four months following her release. 

     “McCoy abused his position of authority when he engaged in sexual conduct with an inmate under his supervision,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Strange. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting all illegal abuses of power wherever they occur.”

     “Darrell McCoy’s duty was to protect the inmates at the prison where he worked, but instead he abused his power by engaging in sexual conduct with one of those inmates.  Today’s verdict sends a clear message: such abuse will not be tolerated,” stated Special Agent In Charge Sandra D. Barnes of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s Denver Field Office.    

     The investigation in this case was conducted by the Department of Justice-Office of the Inspector General.  The prosecution was handled by Gayle Helart and Monica N. Edelstein, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.  

CASE NUMBER:         CR-17-01410-PHX-DLR

RELEASE NUMBER:    2018-146_McCoy

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