Former Guard Sentenced for Having Sex with Inmate

HOUSTON – A former guard at the federal prison camp in Bryan will now be on the other side of prison bars following his conviction on one count of sexual abuse of a ward, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Marshall Thomas, 35, of College Station, pleaded guilty to the charges Jan. 7, 2016.

Today, U.S. District Judge Gray Miller handed Thomas a 18-month sentence to be immediately followed by 10 years of supervised release. He must also register as a sex offender.

Thomas was charged with engaging in a sexual relationship in July 2014 with two different inmates while he was employed as a correctional officer.

Beginning in March 2014, Thomas began supervising a female inmate at federal prison camp. Soon after, he began making inappropriate comments to her and began to hug, kiss and touch her inappropriately whenever they would be alone. On or about July 19, 2014, Thomas directed her to go into the back of the dry storage room behind several boxes. At that time, Thomas began to kiss her, unzipped his pants and pulled down her pants. She resisted his efforts to have intercourse, but he did it anyway. 

Thomas told her that if she reported any of the inappropriate conduct he would “flag” her and that “it was his career and her good time.”

Previously released on bond, Thomas was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Ruben R. Perez and Jill Stotts are prosecuting the case.