Pikeville, KY (WMDJ) — A former federal corrections officer who admitted taking part in inmate assaults at U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy will have to wait longer to learn his sentence.
Terry Melvin, who served as a lieutenant at the Martin County prison, pleaded guilty in January to federal civil rights violations connected to a pattern of inmate abuse between 2021 and 2022. His plea also outlined a wider scheme involving several other staff members accused of intimidating inmates, falsifying reports, and rewarding officers who participated with bonuses or promotions.
Melvin’s sentencing was first set for May, then moved to November. Court records now show the hearing has been pushed back again to April 2, after prosecutors asked for another delay. No reason for the request was listed in the filing
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When he’s sentenced, Melvin could face up to 10 years in federal prison.






