A former Bureau of Prisons (BOP) correctional officer was arrested Wednesday in Oahu, Hawaii, on criminal charges related to his alleged sexual abuse of female inmates, officials stated.
“As alleged, the defendant’s conduct targeted vulnerable victims and undermined the dual mission of the Bureau of Prisons: to provide a safe, humane custodial environment while preparing individuals for a return to society,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The charges announced today reflect the Department’s commitment to root out sexual misconduct within the BOP and to hold accountable those who illegally exploit their authority.”
According to court documents, Mikael Rivera, 45, of Kapolei, Hawaii, was a correctional officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu from 2014 to 2018.
While on duty as a correctional officer, Rivera allegedly committed multiple sexual acts with one inmate through threats and engaged in sexually abusive conduct with two additional inmates under his supervision.
“As alleged, the defendant abused his position of power as a correctional officer and sexually abused multiple inmates under his supervision,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case demonstrates that the Criminal Division will not hesitate to hold accountable any officer who preys upon vulnerable victims and violates the public’s trust.”
Rivera is charged with six counts of sexual abuse by threats and 11 counts of sexual abuse of a ward. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.
Rivera is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Senior Litigation Counsel Marco A. Palmieri, Deputy Chief Jennifer A. Clarke of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara D. Ayabe for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case.