On April 2, 2026, a retired BOP Lieutenant assigned to the USP Big Sandy in Inez, Kentucky, was sentenced in the Eastern District of Kentucky to 48 months incarceration and 12 months supervised release for one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of conspiracy against rights. According to the factual statement in support of the guilty plea, as early as 2021, Terry Melvin conspired with other USP Big Sandy senior officials to systematically assault inmates requesting protective custody to dissuade the requests and thereby reduce Special Housing Unit populations. Additionally, on April 13, 2021, Melvin and other staff assaulted an inmate by delivering multiple closed fist punches and kicks without legal justification. The investigation was conducted by the OIG’s Lexington Locale and the FBI.
Date Issued
Case Action
Sentencing