Former Halfway House Employee Faces Federal Charges for Sexual Assault of Inmate

Tristan Cox, 33, of Atlanta, Georgia, made his initial appearance on November 13, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand on federal charges of non-consensual sexual contact with a federal inmate in his custody. Cox, a former employee at a residential halfway house, was released on a $10,000 bond.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, “The Department of Justice takes seriously its commitment to keep inmates and detainees safe from harm within its correctional and detention facilities,” adding that the charges against Cox involved actions that undermined the Department’s efforts to ensure the humane treatment of inmates.

Cox, who worked as a Residence Monitor at the Atlanta Residential Reentry Center (RRC), is accused of sexually assaulting an inmate under his care in April 2024. The alleged assault occurred in a supply room during Cox’s overnight shift. The FBI confirmed the inmate’s account with DNA evidence.

The charges against Cox stem from a violation of the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, which prohibits any sexual contact between Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees and inmates.

The case is being investigated by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bret R. Hobson and Brent Alan Gray are prosecuting the case.