Please E-mail suggested additions, comments and/or corrections to Kent@MoreLaw.Com.
Date: 08-25-2023
Case Style:
Case Number: 4:23-cr-00018
Judge: Robert Hinkle
Court: United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Leon County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: United States Attorney’s Office in Tallahassee
Defendant's Attorney: Tim Jansen
Description: Tallahassee, Florida criminal defense lawyer represented Defendant charged with sexually abusing an individual in federal custody.
Between October 2021, and August 2022, Lenton Jerome Hatten, 54, of Tallahassee, Florida, engaged in repeated sexual acts with an inmate while employed as a sports specialist for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee (FCI Tallahassee). Immediately after being reported, a forensic examination was conducted of the victim by a sexual assault nurse examiner. DNA evidence confirmed a likely link between Hatten and the victim.
At the time of the report, Hatten was on vacation leave and when made aware, he resigned his position. As such, Hatten had no further contact with inmates.
“As this prosecution demonstrates, the Department of Justice remains dedicated to rooting out sexual misconduct at the Bureau of Prisons,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Any BOP employee who abuses their position of authority and mistreats those in their custody will be held accountable.”
“No inmate should ever experience sexual abuse or abuse of any kind at the hands of a Bureau of Prisons employee. My office will continue to aggressively pursue justice for victims of such heinous acts,” said Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz.
“Without exception, all people, including those serving sentences in correctional facilities, are entitled to protection of their physical safety and civil rights” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “This defendant repeatedly sexually abused an inmate in his care and thanks to the victim’s bravery in coming forward, future abuse has been prevented. Today’s case shows that the FBI will investigate anyone who violates federal law, regardless of their position, and hold those responsible for enforcing it to the highest standard.”
“The abuse of any inmate by correctional officers is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “Sentences of confinement are imposed to account for the inmate’s criminal conduct and afford educational and vocational skills to aid in rehabilitation. The inmate’s dignity and safety are not surrendered at the prison door. This office will vigorously investigate and prosecute any officer who violates their oath through abuse of inmates entrusted to their care and custody.”
The DOJ-OIG and FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. McCain for the Northern District of Florida prosecuted the case.
"Sex abuse of an adult ward in custody is a serious crime. It is illegal for anyone in a position of authority over an adult ward to engage in sexual activity with them. This includes guardians, caretakers, and medical professionals.
There are many different ways that sex abuse can occur in a custodial setting. It can be physical, such as forced sexual contact, or it can be non-physical, such as sexual harassment or exploitation.
The effects of sex abuse can be devastating for the victim. They may experience physical and emotional pain, as well as feelings of shame, guilt, and fear. They may also have difficulty trusting others and forming relationships.
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by a ward in custody, it is important to get help. You can report the abuse to the authorities or to a trusted adult. There are also many resources available to help victims of sexual abuse, such as counseling and support groups.
Here are some resources that can help:
The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
Childhelp USA: 1-800-422-4453
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE You can also get help online at RAINN's website: https://www.rainn.org
"
Google Bard
Outcome: Defendant is sentenced to 3 months BOP. A term of Supervised Release of 5 years is imposed with 3 months of home detention. SMA of $100. Fine of $1,000. JVTA assessment of $5,000.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: