NASHVILLE, TN – James Stewart Justice, a former corrections officer at the Maury County Jail in Tennessee, was sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release. The sentence comes after a federal jury found Justice guilty of falsifying a record in a federal civil rights investigation. The case revolved around allegations that Justice had sexually abused an inmate under his custody.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized the importance of corrections officers maintaining integrity and accountability, especially in handling allegations of sexual misconduct. The Justice Department remains committed to prosecuting officers who exploit their positions of power to conceal unlawful behavior.
U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis highlighted the trust placed in corrections officers and the commitment to prosecuting those who breach this trust and violate the law. Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta assured the FBI’s dedication to upholding the physical safety and civil rights of all individuals, pledging to hold accountable any public servant who abuses their authority.
The conviction stems from an incident where Justice, then known as James Stewart Thomas, was tasked with guarding an inmate in a hospital room. He fabricated a report to the Maury County Jail, falsely stating that he had been advised against documenting alleged sexual advances made by the inmate and omitted information about a claimed sexual relationship with the inmate after their release. The FBI’s Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency, conducted the investigation, with prosecution led by Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda J. Klopf for the Middle District of Tennessee.