Prison Guard Convicted of Having Sex with Inmates

HOUSTON – A former prison guard at the federal prison camp in Bryan has entered a guilty plea to two counts of sexual abuse of a ward, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Marshall Thomas, 35, of College Station, 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.”

On the same day, Thomas was also supervising another inmate. While she was in the kitchen getting something to eat, Thomas told her to go to the salad room, where he began to kiss her and attempted to engage in sexual intercourse. She resisted. He then used his fingers to vaginally penetrate her.

U.S. District Judge Gray Miller accepted the guilty plea today and has set sentencing for April 1, 2016. At that time, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

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