Mikael Rivera, 47, of Kapolei, Hawaii, pleaded guilty yesterday to six counts of sexual abuse of a ward, admitting to sexually abusing inmates under his custody while working as a correctional officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu.

According to court documents, Rivera served at the detention center from approximately 2014 to 2018. During his tenure, he engaged in multiple sexual acts with one inmate who did not consent and engaged in sexually abusive conduct with two additional inmates under his supervision. The charges stem from these incidents.

Rivera faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on each count. His sentencing is scheduled for July 3, where a federal district court judge will determine the appropriate sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The plea agreement marks a significant step in holding Rivera accountable for his actions.

“This guilty plea underscores our commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all individuals, including those in custody,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii in a press release.

The announcement was also made in conjunction with Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Zachary Shroyer of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Western Region.

The DOJ-OIG, with assistance from the FBI, conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Ayabe for the District of Hawaii and Trial Attorney Nicole Lockhart of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN), with substantial assistance from former PIN Deputy Chiefs Jennifer Clarke and Marco Palmieri.