Former Prison Transport Officer Sentenced in Federal Court for Sexual Abuse of Detainee

A former prison transport officer who sexually assaulted a detainee in 2020 has been sentenced in federal court in the Western District of Missouri. Rogeric Hankins will serve nine years in federal prison and three years of supervised release for sexually assaulting the pretrial detainee during a transport through Missouri.

Shedding Light on Prison Officer Abuse

Prison officers hold positions of high authority over detainees and have a duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those under their care. When they abuse this power, it represents a betrayal of trust and an egregious violation of the code of conduct expected from those in such positions.

Unfortunately, prison officer abuse is all too common. In May, a former correctional officer at Central California Women’s Facility was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting at least 13 victims serving prison sentences. In June, a federal jury convicted a federal correctional officer of five counts of sexually abusive conduct against two victims serving prison sentences.

These instances reflect poorly on our entire correctional system. It erodes public trust in the system’s ability to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and respect for human rights. It undermines the credibility of the institutions responsible for maintaining order and rehabilitation, making it harder to enact meaningful reforms.

Justice for Sexual Abuse Survivors

For survivors, seeing their abusers face punishment can go a long way toward restoring faith in justice. At ASK LLP, we believe in giving survivors a platform to tell their stories. No matter how powerful the abuser or abusive institution may seem, ASK LLP’s Sexual Abuse Practice is committed to holding perpetrators accountable.

If you or a loved one have experienced sexual abuse by a prison officer or other abusive authority, our attorneys are ready to listen when you are ready to tell your story. Contact our office today.