PHOENIX– Darrell E. McCoy, 51, a 17-year employee at the Federal Correctional Institution, Phoenix, was sentenced Tuesday to 6 months’ home confinement and five years’ probation.
McCoy, of Scottsdale, was convicted by a jury Nov. 2 of two counts of abusive sexual contact with a ward, said a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Phoenix Division.
McCoy had sexual contact with the inmate in different locations on the prison grounds between Sept. 29 and Dec. 15, 2016.
After the inmate was released to a halfway house, McCoy continued to communicate with the inmate via text messages, and also gave the inmate love notes. McCoy no longer works at the prison.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes said there was a great power disparity over inmates by guards, leaving no room for characterization of a romantic relationship in as free choice but the inmate.
The investigation of McCoy was conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gayle Helart and Monica Edelstein served as prosecutors.