Former FMC Prison Guard Pleads Guilty to Three Counts of Sexual Abuse of a Ward

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A Lexington man, Jacob Salcido­­­, 40, pleaded guilty on Friday, before Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to three counts of sexual abuse of a ward.

According to his plea agreement, from September 5, 2020, to December 21, 2020, while employed as a Correctional Officer at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Salcido knowingly engaged in sexual acts with three inmates. Salcido admitted that, based on his training and experience, he was aware that any sexual contact between FMC staff and inmates was strictly forbidden and constituted a criminal offense.

"Jacob Salcido blatantly exploited his power as a correctional officer by sexually abusing three women in his custody," said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. "The Justice Department's commitment to eradicating sexual abuse within the ranks of the Federal Bureau of Prisons continues through every case we prosecute. Today's guilty plea is the latest but certainly not the last in our efforts to eradicate sexual abuse in federal prisons."

"Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officers are responsible for fostering a safe and humane environment for inmates to serve out their sentences," said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz. "Instead, Salcido abused his authority and sexually abused three inmates that were in his custody and care. The DOJ OIG is committed to aggressively investigating these types of allegations and bringing perpetrators to justice."

"Instead of ensuring the safety and security of those in his care, the defendant chose to maliciously prey on vulnerable individuals, and betrayed an important obligation to the public," said Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. "This disgraceful conduct has done enduring damage to his victims. It has also eroded trust in faithful public servants, those who perform their civic duties honorably. We are committed to our efforts to protect individuals, and to combat abuses by those who callously betray their responsibilities to those in their care and to the public they serve."

United States Attorney Shier; William J. Hannah, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, Chicago Field Office; and Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the guilty plea.

The investigation was conducted by DOJ-OIG and FBI. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zach Dembo.

Salcido is scheduled to be sentenced on December 13, 2024. This offense carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, any sentence will be imposed by the Court, after its consideration of the guilty plea, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and the federal sentencing statutes.

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