Federal Inmate Gets Additional 2 Years for Indecent Exposure at Georgia Prison

BRUNSWICK, Ga. — A federal inmate nearing release will remain behind bars longer after being convicted of exposing himself to prison staff, officials said.

Stephen M. Patterson, 37, an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Jesup, was sentenced to 24 months in prison after being found guilty on three counts of public indecency.

The sentence was handed down by Benjamin W. Cheesbro following a bench trial, according to Margaret E. Heap.

Prosecutors said Patterson exposed himself to three separate female staff members during incidents in December 2023, April 2024 and May 2024 while incarcerated.

Court records show Patterson was already serving time for a federal conviction in Kentucky for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His criminal history includes prior convictions for assault, drug distribution and domestic violence.

“There is no parole in the federal system,” Heap said. “This sentence demonstrates that we will not tolerate such loathsome behavior.”

Judge Cheesbro ordered the new 24-month sentence to run consecutively to Patterson’s current sentence, which had been set to end July 3. Patterson will also serve three years of supervised release after completing his sentence.

William K. Marshall III said the case highlights the agency’s commitment to safety.

“This investigation emphasizes the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ commitment to maintaining the safety and security of our facilities and holding individuals accountable for criminal activity, especially while housed at our BOP facility,” Marshall said.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and prosecuted by the Southern District of Georgia U.S. Attorney’s Office.