Federal Correctional Officer Convicted of Sexual Abuse of Two Female Inmates

 In a significant development, a federal jury has found a federal correctional officer guilty on multiple counts of sexually abusive conduct against two female inmates who were serving prison sentences. The trial, presided over by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, concluded with a unanimous verdict.

The convicted officer, John Bellhouse, 40, formerly of Pleasanton, California, initially faced charges of sexual abuse of an inmate on February 17, 2022. Subsequently, a federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment on September 29, 2022, which included two counts of sexual abuse and three counts of abusive sexual contact. The charges pertain to incidents that allegedly occurred between December 2019 and December 2020, involving two female inmates. Following a comprehensive trial, Bellhouse was convicted on all counts.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco expressed her concerns, stating, "Correctional Officer Bellhouse committed an egregious breach of trust by using the cover of the BOP facility's Safety Office to sexually abuse individuals in his custody. This guilty verdict is yet another warning that any Bureau employee who abuses their authority will be held accountable." The Department of Justice remains committed to eradicating sexual assault within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and prioritizing cases related to the sexual abuse of individuals under BOP custody.

FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate strongly condemned the acts, stating, "The heinous crimes in this case destroyed the sense of safety and security every human being is entitled to. Today's conviction demonstrates that the FBI remains unyielding in our protection of all people no matter where the crime occurs or who commits it." Abbate emphasized the FBI's unwavering commitment to safeguarding individuals from such violations.

Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz highlighted the ongoing investigation into sexual abuse at the Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin, California (FCI Dublin), where Bellhouse was employed. Horowitz stated, "Bellhouse violated vulnerable women under his custody and care, and a jury held him accountable for these despicable acts. Our investigation of sexual abuse at FCI Dublin remains ongoing, and we will continue to aggressively pursue justice for victims of sexual abuse at the hands of BOP employees."

U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California affirmed the justice system's commitment to combatting sexual abuse within correctional facilities. Ramsey stated, "The sexual abuse of inmates will not be tolerated, and Bellhouse will now face the consequences for committing his despicable crimes." Bellhouse's actions were an egregious violation of his duty to ensure the safety and well-being of those under his custodial authority.

During the trial, evidence revealed that Bellhouse engaged in sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact with a victim between December 2019 and October 2020. The victim, under Bellhouse's custody, experienced the abuse while serving a prison sentence at FCI Dublin. The trial evidence established that Bellhouse committed acts of oral sex and touched the victim's genitals and breasts in the prison's Safety Warehouse and Safety Office.

Furthermore, the trial evidence demonstrated Bellhouse's abusive sexual contact with a second victim between October and December 2020. These acts occurred in the Safety Office at the FCI Dublin Camp.

Bellhouse has been convicted on two counts of sexual abuse of a ward and three counts of abusive sexual conduct. Each sexual abuse count carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, while each count of abusive sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge, considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Bellhouse's sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 30. In the meantime, he remains out of custody pending sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) and the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Priedeman and Andrew Paulson, with the assistance of Madeline Wachs, Sara Slattery, and Leeya Kekona, are prosecuting the case on behalf of the Northern District of California.