DOJ: FCI Aliceville Officer Indicted for Sexual Assault of Inmates

DOJ Civil Rights Press Releases

Filed March 4th, 2026

Detected March 14th, 2026

Summary

A correctional officer at FCI Aliceville has been indicted on eight counts of deprivation of rights for the sexual assault of seven female inmates. The officer faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.

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What changed

The Department of Justice announced the indictment of Felix Sylvester Wilder, a correctional officer at FCI Aliceville, on eight counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. The charges stem from the alleged sexual assault of seven female inmates between May 2022 and September 2024. If convicted, Wilder faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

This indictment signifies a serious enforcement action by the DOJ's Civil Rights Division and the FBI against an individual accused of violating the civil rights of incarcerated individuals. While this is an individual case, it underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability within correctional facilities. Regulated entities, particularly those managing detention facilities or responsible for inmate welfare, should ensure strict adherence to all civil rights protections and internal conduct policies to prevent similar violations.

What to do next

Review internal policies and training related to inmate rights and staff conduct.
Ensure all staff are aware of the severe consequences for civil rights violations.
Report any suspected violations of inmate rights immediately through established channels.

Penalties

Maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.

Source document (simplified)

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Press Release

FCI Aliceville Correctional Officer Indicted for Sexual Assault of Inmates

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Share For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs A correctional officer at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Aliceville was charged in an indictment, unsealed today, with eight counts of deprivation of rights under color of law arising out of his sexual assault of seven female inmates.

According to the indictment, between May 2022 and September 2024, Felix Sylvester Wilder, 37, violated the civil rights of seven women when he sexually assaulted them while they were incarcerated at FCI Aliceville and he was on duty as a FCI Aliceville correctional officer. If convicted of all the charges, Wilder faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby for the Northern District of Alabama, Special Agent in Charge Eric Fehlman of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) Southeast Regional Office, and Special Agent in Charge David R. Fitzgibbons of the FBI Birmingham Field Office made the announcement.

This case was investigated by DOJ OIG Southeast Regional Office and the FBI Birmingham Field Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John B. Ward and Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia C. Brame for the Northern District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Updated March 4, 2026 Topic Civil Rights Components Civil Rights Division Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) USAO - Alabama, Northern Press Release Number: 26-216