A former LaSalle Detention Facility corrections officer was sentenced to 10 months in prison Thursday after he pleaded guilty to a felony sex act with a federal detainee.

Joseph Taunton, 32, of Jonesville, pleaded guilty in April to having a consensual sex act with a prisoner in December. Taunton admitted that he entered the victim's cell while on duty and had consensual sex with the prisoner.

"Corrections officers are entrusted with critical public safety duties, and it is unacceptable when they abuse that power by violating the rights of others," Assistant U.S. Attorney General Thomas E. Perez said. "The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting officers that participate in criminal activity to the fullest extent of the law."

In addition to receiving 10 months in federal prison, Taunton also will have to register as a sex offender upon his release.
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