The guard sexually assaulted a female detainee on the way between Washington and Minnesota in 2020, according to a federal court in the Western District of Missouri.
In court on Tuesday, Rogeric Hankins, 37, confessed to sexually assaulting the detainee.
According to U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore for the Western District of Missouri, “A private prisoner transport officer abused his position of trust and authority by sexually assaulting a detainee who was in his custody while he transported her through Missouri.” “The Department of Justice will not tolerate such a violent violation of civil rights. Individuals who abuse their official power will face criminal penalties.”
According to a press release from the Department of Justice, Hankins worked for Inmate Services Corporation as a prisoner transport officer, picking up people arrested on out-of-state warrants and transporting them back to the jurisdiction where the warrant was issued.
In March 2020, Hankins picked up the victim from a jail in Olympia, Wash., to take her to St. Paul, Minn.
According to the release, Hankins stopped at a gas station in Joplin, Mo. on April 3, and brought the victim inside to use the bathroom.
“Hankins led the victim into the men’s restroom after she used the women’s bathroom, and instructed her to go into the stall furthest from the door,” the release said.
As the two entered the stall, Hankins attempted to lift the woman’s shirt, but she resisted.
A release states that he made her perform a sexual act on him before sexually assaulting her.
Hankins faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of mandatory supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
Bob Meacham, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Minneapolis Field Division, said “The defendant used his position and authority to commit his crime, making this case particularly heinous. Our FBI will continue to work with law enforcement partners and prosecutors to ensure those who violate the color of the law are held accountable, and victims’ voices are heard.”