A former correctional officer accused of sexually abusing four female inmates at a downtown correctional center in 2023 has pleaded not guilty to the charges in federal court.
Brittany Hall, 31, from Chicago, appeared in court on Thursday and entered a not-guilty plea to multiple charges. She faces five counts of sexual abuse of a ward and three counts of abusive sexual contact. The arraignment took place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, if convicted, Hall could face up to 15 years in federal prison for the sexual abuse charges and up to two years for the sexual contact charges.
Allegations Against Hall
Hall worked as a correctional officer on the 12th floor of the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in Chicago, located at 71 W. Van Buren St. This floor housed female inmates. A federal indictment filed on Tuesday outlined the allegations against her.
The indictment states that throughout December 2023, Hall engaged in inappropriate conduct with the inmates. She allegedly touched their breasts, performed sexual acts, and made oral contact with their genitalia while in a position of authority over them.
Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Response
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) has condemned Hall’s alleged actions, emphasizing their commitment to inmate safety.
Donald Murphy, a spokesperson for the FBOP, stated that the agency has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and takes its responsibility to protect inmates very seriously.
“We strongly condemn any form of sexual abuse,” Murphy said in a statement. “Every person in our custody has the right to be safe from such behavior.”
Hall’s Legal Proceedings
Hall no longer works at MCC. She is scheduled to return to court on March 20 for a status hearing.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about misconduct in correctional facilities and the importance of accountability in the prison system. Federal authorities continue to investigate the matter to ensure justice is served.
