A southwest Miami-Dade prison employee pleaded guilty Tuesday to sexual abuse of a ward, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Jack Chris Jackson, 45, told court officials that he had a sexual relationship with a male inmate at the Federal Correctional Institute for more than one year, the Justice Department. The inmate was under Jackson's authority at the low-security facility. Jackson also admitted to sexual relations with other inmates, authorities said.
“This correction officer abused his official position to engage in sexual relationships with his wards. This conduct is an intolerable breach of trust that not only endangers the safety of inmates but also compromises prison security," said U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Wifredo A. Ferrer.
Jackson could get up to 15 years in prison, according to the department. His sentencing is scheduled for March 19.
"It is important to note that consent is never a legal defense for corrections staff who engage in sexual acts with inmates. According to federal law, all sexual relations between staff and inmates are considered abuse," the department said on their website.
The incident was investigated by a joint effort by the FBI and the Department of Justice.
The name of Jackson's attorney wasn't immediately known.
