A former corrections officer at the Maury County Jail in Tennessee was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after being convicted of falsifying a report during a federal civil rights investigation. James Stewart Justice, previously known as James Stewart Thomas, was sentenced on charges related to his role in obstructing an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse by a corrections officer.
Justice, who was employed by the Maury County Jail at the time of the incident, was convicted for writing a false report in response to allegations that he had sexually abused an inmate under his custody while the inmate was recovering from surgery at a hospital. In his report, Justice falsely claimed that he had reported the inmate’s alleged sexual advances to his supervisors, who allegedly advised against documenting the incident. He also omitted his later admission to investigators that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with the inmate after the inmate’s release from jail.
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division stressed that law enforcement officers have a duty to be honest and transparent, particularly in serious cases involving allegations of abuse. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the department’s commitment to prosecuting officers who obstruct investigations into civil rights violations.
“When law enforcement officers fail in their duty of candor, particularly in cases involving sexual abuse of an inmate, it undermines both the victims’ rights and the public’s trust,” said Clarke. “We will continue to hold officers accountable who attempt to cover up their crimes.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico also condemned the actions, noting that the abuse of authority by corrections officers not only threatens the civil rights of inmates but also damages public trust in law enforcement.
Justice, who will serve five years in prison, is also sentenced to two years of supervised release after completing his prison term. The case highlights the Justice Department’s ongoing efforts to address and prosecute corruption and misconduct in law enforcement.
