James Johnson, a federal correctional officer, was indicted on Mar. 18 for charges including sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a ward, and making false statements to federal law enforcement officers. The indictment alleges that Johnson abused an inmate under his supervision at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He was arrested and is scheduled to be arraigned before United States Chief Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon.
The case highlights concerns about misconduct within federal prisons and the importance of accountability among those entrusted with the care of inmates. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York supports community outreach and victim assistance efforts, according to the official website.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., said, “As alleged, Johnson leveraged his position as a correctional officer to take advantage of a man he was supposed to be protecting in his capacity as a prison guard and used his access to gratify his own sexual desires. Our Office is steadfast in its commitment to root out corruption and abuse within federal prisons, especially when that abuse is perpetrated at the hands of guards and jeopardizes the safety and security of the institution and the inmates.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr., said, “The alleged sexual abuse of an inmate by a federal correctional officer is a grave betrayal of public trust and will not be tolerated. Federal correctional officers are sworn to protect, not prey upon, those in their care. No one is above the law and we will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those who violate the rights of federal inmates.” DOJ OIG Special Agent in Charge Ryan T. Geach added, “The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of sexual abuse by federal Correctional Officers and, with our partners, bring these perpetrators to justice.”
According to court documents cited in the indictment, Johnson worked as both a correctional officer and mentor coordinator at MDC Brooklyn in May 2025. During that time he allegedly ordered an inmate known as John Doe from his assigned unit on multiple occasions so he could sexually abuse him elsewhere within the facility; DNA evidence obtained through a search warrant supported these allegations.
Johnson also allegedly lied during an interview with federal agents about whether he had engaged in any sexual acts with inmates. If convicted on all counts, Johnson faces up to life imprisonment.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York maintains offices in Brooklyn and Central Islip per its official website; it handles both criminal prosecutions and civil matters representation for Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County according to its official website. Breon Peace leads this office as United States Attorney.
The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Megan E. Farrell and Turner Buford from its Human Trafficking and Civil Rights/Public Integrity Sections.
