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 handed down 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 charged in August 2024 for ignoring significant injuries sustained by an inmate during an assault by other inmates. She was also accused of pepper spraying the injured inmate, assisting another inmate in stealing from him, and obstructing the investigation.
In April 2025, Cousins was convicted by a federal jury on three counts of depriving an inmate of civil rights under color of law and one count of filing a false report regarding the incident.
The trial revealed that while on duty at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility, Cousins failed to provide medical attention to the assaulted inmate and prevented her superior from discovering his injuries. After her partner called for medical assistance, Cousins used excessive force by pepper spraying the injured inmate before help arrived.
Furthermore, Cousins helped another inmate involved in the assault steal personal belongings from the injured inmate’s cell. Her report falsely claimed that the injured inmate was aggressive and armed during the incident.
U.S. Attorney Metcalf stated: “Corrections officers have significant authority over the inmates in their charge and it’s their duty to wield that power responsibly.” He emphasized that violations of prisoners’ civil rights would lead to prosecution.
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, remarked: “Today’s sentencing serves as a powerful reminder that no one is above the law — especially those who take an oath to uphold it.”
The case was investigated by the FBI with support from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Everett Witherell and Jessica Rice.
