Former Correctional Officer Charged With Sexually Assaulting A Federal Inmate

United States Attorney Kenyen R. Brown of the Southern District of Alabama announced that Samuel A. Hart, a former Correctional Officer of Escambia County Detention Center, has entered a guilty plea today to sexually assaulting a federal inmate that was in his custody.

Hart, who had been on the job for less than a month, was responsible for transporting a federal inmate from Coffee County Detention Center to Escambia County Detention Center. During the transport, Hart engaged in intimate conversations with the federal inmate, including comments about his private life. 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 that were improper and unlawful given his position as a corrections officer. Hart continually attempted to contact the federal inmate while she was in custody at Escambia County Detention Center. Hart’s actions ultimately led to his termination.

This 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 the time of that hearing, Hart faces up to 15 years in federal prison. He also faces a potential fine of $250,000.