PHILADELPHIA, PA — United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced that Ivory S. Cousins, 35, of West Deptford, New Jersey, was arrested on Friday and charged by indictment for violating the constitutional rights of a prison inmate.
Cousins, a correctional officer at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in August 2019, faces allegations of deliberate indifference to an inmate’s serious medical needs, use of excessive force, and obstruction of an investigation. The indictment alleges she ignored the inmate’s significant injuries from an assault by other inmates, pepper sprayed him, helped another inmate steal from him, and obstructed the investigation by providing false information.
The indictment details that Cousins became aware of the inmate’s injuries but failed to get him medical attention. She allegedly prevented a superior officer from discovering the injuries. When her partner found the injured inmate and called for medical help, Cousins allegedly pepper sprayed him before assistance arrived. Furthermore, as the inmate was being escorted for medical care, Cousins allegedly assisted one of the assailants in stealing the inmate’s personal belongings.
Cousins is also accused of filing a false report, claiming the injured inmate was aggressive, engaged in a fight, and used a weapon.
If convicted, Cousins faces up to 41 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $1 million fine, and a $400 special assessment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation with assistance from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorneys Nancy E. Potts and Everett R. Witherell are prosecuting the case.
An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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