Former USP Big Sandy Lieutenant Sentenced to 17 Months for Civil Rights Violations
Michael Childers, 47, a former lieutenant at United States Penitentiary Big Sandy in Inez, Kentucky, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier to 17 months in federal prison for falsifying official records. The offense stemmed from an incident on April 13, 2021, when an inmate requesting protective custody was unlawfully assaulted by staff in the lieutenants' office. Childers knowingly wrote a false incident report claiming the inmate had struck him with his head and a closed fist, intending to obstruct justice during the ensuing investigation. Childers' sentencing concludes federal prosecutions tied to this assault. Other defendants include Lieutenant Terry Melvin, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy against rights and was sentenced to 48 months; Case Management Coordinator Samuel Patrick and Captain’s Secretary Clinton Pauley, sentenced to 36 and 40 months respectively for their roles; Lieutenant Kevin Pearce, convicted of falsifying reports and sentenced to 66 months; and former Lieutenant Ryan Elliott, sentenced to 12 months and one day for a separate assault and false report. Federal officials emphasized the seriousness of these violations. Attorney Jason Parman highlighted that Bureau of Prisons personnel are entrusted with authority requiring integrity, which was abused by these defendants. FBI Louisville Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson stated the FBI’s commitment to holding law enforcement accountable for abusing authority. Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III noted the agency's zero tolerance for abuse of power and commitment to inmate safety. Under federal law, Childers must serve 85 percent of his sentence and will be supervised by U.S. Probation for one year after release. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General and the FBI. The coordinated sentences reflect a broad effort to address civil rights violations and abuse of power by prison staff at USP Big Sandy.
