BOP Correctional Officer Sentenced for Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law and False Reporting

On March 11, 2024, a former BOP Correctional Officer previously assigned to the United States Penitentiary (USP) in Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 24 months of probation and a $125 special assessment for one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of falsification of records.  Justin Newkirk was sentenced in the Northern District of Georgia.  According to the plea agreement, Newkirk pleaded guilty to the Information, which stated that on or about March 17, 2022, Newkirk subjected an inmate to cruel and unusual punishment when he repeatedly sprayed the inmate with pepper spray without a legitimate penological purpose and then falsified the incident report about the incident.  The investigation was conducted by the OIG’s Atlanta Office.