A former guard at Texarkana’s Federal Correctional Institution was in federal court Thursday on charges related to an inappropriate sexual relationship with an inmate.
Jose Angel Rivas pleaded not guilty at an arraignment on a two-count indictment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant in the Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas. The indictment alleges Rivas had illegal sexual contact with an inmate from May 7, 2013 to February 28, 2015 and that he provided the inmate with contraband including a G-shock watch, a pair of Nemesis sunglasses, and a pair of Koss headphones.
FCI Texarkana is a low security federal prison for male inmates.
Bryant released Rivas on a $20,000 unsecured appearance bond and set the case for trial next month before U.S. District Judge Robert Schroeder, III. While his case proceeds, Rivas is to have no contact with employees of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, except for his ex-wife, Bryant ordered.
Rivas appeared with Texarkana attorney Shorty Barrett. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Locker is representing the government.
Abusive sexual contact of a ward, alleged in count one of Rivas’ indictment, is punishable by up to two years in prison, a fine as high as $250,000, or both. Providing contraband to an inmate is punishable by up to six months in prison, a fine up to $10,000, or both.
