Former private prison guard at federally contracted Cushing correctional facility enters guilty plea

Yesterday, LAMARCUS DEWAYNE EDWARDS, 35, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty to engaging in abusive sexual contact with a federal inmate while working at a correctional facility housing federal inmates, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On January 2, 2024, Edwards was charged by Superseding Information with engaging in abusive sexual contact. The Superseding Information alleges that Edwards worked as a detention officer at Cimmarron Correctional Facility in Cushing, Oklahma , which was under contract with the United States Marshals Service to house federal inmates.

The Superseding Information further alleges that on June 18, 2023, Edwards engaged in sexual contact with an inmate, despite having authority over her.

Yesterday, Edwards pleaded guilty and admitted to having sexual contact with an inmate over whom he had supervisory and disciplinary authority. At sentencing, Edwards faces up to two years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.