A federal indictment was unsealed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, charging a former private prisoner transport officer with sexually assaulting a female pretrial detainee during a prisoner transport, officials stated.
The officer allegedly used a firearm during the sexual assault, officials stated.
According to the indictment, Marquet Johnson, 44, worked as a private prisoner transport officer for Inmate Services Corporation.
The company contracted through local jails and prisons throughout the country to transport people arrested for out-of-state warrants.
Count one of the indictment charges Johnson while acting under color of law, with willfully depriving a female pretrial detainee whom he was transporting from New Mexico to Colorado of her constitutional right to bodily integrity.
The indictment alleges that Johnson’s conduct included using a dangerous weapon and aggravated sexual abuse.
Count two charges Johnson with knowingly using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of this crime of violence.
If convicted of the crimes charged, Johnson faces up to life in prison.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Brawley for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Laura Gilson of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
This investigation remains ongoing.