Avondale security guard sentenced to 13 months for sexually abusing inmate

Yahoo! News - Apr 20th, 2025
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Morris Gary Hibbitt, a security supervisor at a correctional facility in Phoenix, has been sentenced to 13 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for sexually abusing an inmate. The 51-year-old Avondale man pled guilty to assaulting the woman in her living quarters at the Behavioral Systems Southwest Residential Reentry Center, which is contracted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons for inmate reintegration services. In addition to his prison term, Hibbitt is required to register as a sex offender. The sentencing by U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow comes nearly two years after the incident occurred, with Hibbitt leveraging his position to coerce the victim into sexual acts under his supervision.

This case highlights significant issues within correctional facilities regarding the abuse of power and the vulnerability of inmates. The delayed sentencing process, initially scheduled for September 2024, underscores the complexities involved in legal proceedings, especially concerning sexual misconduct within institutional settings. The judge's decision to extend the supervised release period beyond the prosecutors' recommendation reflects the severity of the offense and aims to ensure long-term monitoring of Hibbitt. This case brings attention to the need for stricter oversight and protective measures for individuals in transitional facilities, emphasizing the ongoing societal challenge of safeguarding inmates' rights and well-being.

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RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate account of a specific legal case involving the abuse of an inmate by a correctional facility supervisor. It is well-supported by credible sources, primarily focusing on the legal proceedings and outcomes. While the article excels in accuracy, timeliness, and public interest, it could benefit from broader contextual analysis and additional perspectives to enhance balance and impact. The narrative is clear and accessible, though more detailed explanations of legal processes could improve readability. Overall, the article effectively informs readers about a significant issue, contributing to public discourse on inmate rights and accountability within correctional facilities.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story is highly accurate, with most key details corroborated by multiple sources, including the U.S. Department of Justice and local news outlets. The identity of Morris Gary Hibbitt, his role as a security supervisor at the Behavioral Systems Southwest Residential Reentry Center, and the nature of his crime are all confirmed by these sources. The timeline of the events, including the assault date, the guilty plea, and the sentencing, aligns with available records. However, there is a minor discrepancy in the plea date, which is noted as June 11, 2024, in the story, while other sources mention June 17, 2024. This slight inconsistency does not significantly impact the overall accuracy but is worth noting. The sentencing details, including the prison term and supervised release conditions, are also accurately reported.

7
Balance

The article presents the case primarily from the perspective of the legal proceedings and the victim's report. While it accurately describes the events leading to the sentencing, it lacks a broader perspective on the implications of such incidents within correctional facilities. The story could benefit from additional viewpoints, such as insights from the correctional facility's management or advocacy groups for inmates' rights, to provide a more comprehensive view of the systemic issues at play. However, the focus on the legal outcome ensures that the core narrative remains balanced in terms of presenting the judicial process.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear and logical structure that guides the reader through the sequence of events. The language is straightforward, making the complex legal proceedings accessible to a general audience. However, the narrative could benefit from more detailed explanations of legal terms and processes, such as the implications of a supervised release or the role of a reentry center, to ensure full comprehension by readers unfamiliar with the legal system. Despite these minor areas for improvement, the overall clarity is commendable.

8
Source quality

The article relies on credible and authoritative sources such as the U.S. Department of Justice and court records, lending significant weight to its claims. The inclusion of these official sources enhances the reliability of the information presented. However, the article does not provide direct quotes or statements from involved parties, such as the victim, Hibbitt, or his attorney, which could have added depth and firsthand perspectives to the reporting. The reliance on secondary sources, while credible, limits the narrative's richness and diversity of viewpoints.

7
Transparency

The article provides sufficient context regarding the legal proceedings and the nature of the crime, allowing readers to understand the basis of the claims made. However, it lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind the reporting, such as how information was gathered or verified. Additionally, while the article mentions court records and DOJ announcements, it does not provide direct links or references to these documents for readers to verify independently. Greater transparency in sourcing and verification processes would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizona-security-guard-sentenced-sexually-abusing-inmate-reentry-facility-usao
  2. https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/west-valley-man-sentenced-to-prison-after-sexual-abuse-of-federal-inmate,577051
  3. https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/security-guard-sentenced-prison-abusing-resident-phoenix-facility-arizona-avondale/75-a59374e6-fc60-4859-982d-f7c6d89a07fe
  4. https://www.justice.gov/usao-az/pr