United States Attorney David Metcalf announced the sentencing of Ivory S. Cousins, a former Philadelphia correctional officer, to five years in prison for violating an inmate’s constitutional rights. The sentence was delivered by United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez and includes a three-year supervised release period and a $325 special assessment.
Cousins, 36, from Glassboro, New Jersey, was indicted in August 2024 for ignoring significant injuries sustained by an inmate during an assault by other inmates at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. She was found guilty of using excessive force by pepper spraying the injured inmate and obstructing the investigation into the incident.
In April of this year, a federal jury convicted Cousins on three counts of depriving an inmate of civil rights under color of law and one count of filing a false report about the incident. The trial revealed that Cousins helped another inmate steal from the injured individual and provided false information in her report.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf emphasized the responsibility correctional officers have over inmates: “Corrections officers have significant authority over the inmates in their charge and it’s their duty to wield that power responsibly.” He added that those who violate prisoners’ civil rights will be prosecuted.
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, stated: “Today’s sentencing serves as a powerful reminder that no one is above the law — especially those who take an oath to uphold it.” He assured continued pursuit of civil rights violations with integrity.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everett Witherell and Jessica Rice.
