Executive Summary
- Federal correctional officer Cornelius Alexander Thompson has been indicted on charges of sexually abusing an inmate and receiving bribes to smuggle contraband into FCC Coleman.
- The alleged sexual abuse occurred between January 2020 and August 2023, while the bribery scheme took place between January 2020 and April 2024.
- Thompson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and the U.S. is seeking the forfeiture of $24,550 derived from the alleged bribery offense.
Laws and Precedent
- The federal indictment of a correctional officer on charges of sexually abusing an inmate and receiving bribes for smuggling contraband highlights the strict federal laws governing public official misconduct and abuse of authority within correctional facilities. These charges, carrying a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and an order of forfeiture for illicit gains, underscore the significant legal consequences and commitment to accountability under federal statutes for such violations.
Ocala, Florida – A federal correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) has been indicted on charges of sexually abusing an inmate and receiving bribes to smuggle contraband into the facility. Cornelius Alexander Thompson, 38, of Ocala, faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison if convicted on all counts, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe on September 30, 2025.
Details of the Indictment
The indictment alleges that Thompson, a public official employed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, engaged in a sexual act with a federal inmate under his direct authority. This alleged misconduct occurred at FCC Coleman between January 2020 and August 9, 2023.
Additionally, Thompson is accused of a bribery scheme, receiving money in exchange for being influenced to smuggle contraband into the federal prison. This bribery offense is alleged to have taken place between January 2020 and April 29, 2024.
The United States is also seeking an order of forfeiture for $24,550, representing the proceeds derived from the alleged bribery offense. This financial penalty underscores the illicit gains purportedly made by Thompson through his actions.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case is the result of a collaborative investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. These agencies worked together to uncover the alleged criminal activities.
Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson is prosecuting the case. It is important to note that an indictment is a formal charge, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Potential Consequences
Thompson faces significant legal repercussions if found guilty, with the potential for decades in federal prison. The charges highlight the serious nature of abuses of power within correctional facilities and the commitment to holding public officials accountable for their actions.
