Former Michigan Prison Officer Charged Sexual Abuse Female Inmates

Joshua Lee, a 22-year-old former corrections officer at Michigan's Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility, has been charged with four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct for engaging in multiple sexual acts, including penetration, with several female inmates. He was arraigned in late October and faces 15-year felony charges for each count. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel praised the swift investigation by the Michigan Department of Corrections and State Police and emphasized the need for legislative updates to better criminalize sexual penetration by corrections staff, as current laws do not explicitly cover such offenses. Nessel called for revisions to first- and third-degree criminal sexual conduct statutes to strengthen protections for inmates and ensure penalties appropriately reflect the severity of these crimes. Lee's case highlights gaps in Michigan law regarding sexual misconduct by prison staff, prompting calls for legal reforms to enhance inmate safety. Lee is scheduled for a court appearance in early November as the legal process continues.