Halfway house employee charged with sexual assault against federal inmate

Ryan K. Buchanan U.S. Attorney | US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia

A former employee of a residential halfway house in Atlanta, Tristan Cox, 33, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand on November 13, 2024. Cox faces federal charges of non-consensual sexual contact with a federal inmate under his supervision. He was released on a $10,000 bond.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan emphasized the Department of Justice's commitment to safeguarding inmates and detainees within correctional and detention facilities. "This commitment to humane treatment extends to contract facilities like halfway houses and to contract employees like Cox," said Buchanan. "He is charged with grievous conduct that undermined the Department’s efforts and injured someone in our custody."

Eric R. Fehlman, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Southeast Region, highlighted the purpose of Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs), or halfway houses: "Inmates should never experience assault of any kind at the hands of employees working in custodial settings."

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) collaborates with various non-governmental organizations to operate RRCs for inmates nearing their release from federal incarceration. A complaint received by the Department's Office of Inspector General alleged that Cox sexually assaulted an inmate resident during his overnight shift in April 2024 at the Atlanta RRC where he worked as a Residence Monitor. DNA evidence tested by the FBI supported the inmate's account.

Under the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, any sexual contact between a BOP employee and an inmate is a criminal offense.

It is important to note that criminal complaints and arrest warrants contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. The case prosecution involves Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray.

For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.