A former federal corrections employee has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a female inmate at a federal residential reentry center in Michigan, federal officials announced Tuesday.Arthur Foster, 41, of Detroit, admitted that on Feb. 5, 2025, while working at the Cherry Health Community Treatment Center, he ordered a female inmate identified in court records as Victim Inmate-1, or VI-1, to meet him in a restroom. According to prosecutors, Foster sexually abused the inmate while she was under his custodial authority.
Quick Facts
- Defendant: Arthur Foster, 41, Detroit
- Location: Cherry Health Community Treatment Center
- Incident Date: Feb. 5, 2025
- Charge: Sexual abuse of a federal inmate
- Status: Pleaded guilty
- Federal Policy: Zero tolerance for sexual abuse in correctional facilities
“Sexual abuse by anyone, especially someone entrusted with the custody and care of inmates, is an intolerable abuse of power,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Today’s guilty plea makes clear that this former corrections employee betrayed public trust and violated the most basic standards of human dignity. Our office will continue to pursue every individual who abuses their position to commit acts of sexual violence against those in federal custody.”
The Cherry Health Community Treatment Center operates as a federal residential reentry center, commonly known as a halfway house, where inmates are still considered under federal supervision.
Federal authorities emphasized that sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sexual harassment by correctional staff violate both federal law and Bureau of Prisons policy.
“Federal law and prison rules mandate a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse, sexual assault and harassment in all U.S. correctional facilities,” officials said.
The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to prosecute correctional officer misconduct, prison sexual abuse, and violations involving inmates under federal custody.