LONDON, Ky. (WMDJ) — A former guard at the federal prison in Martin County has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in an inmate abuse conspiracy.

Terry Melvin, 60, was sentenced Thursday after pleading guilty in January 2025 to conspiracy against rights and deprivation of civil rights. The charges stem from his time as a lieutenant at U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy.

Court documents state there was an unofficial policy aimed at reducing the number of inmates in protective custody.

Inmates requesting protection were placed in a special housing unit while threats were investigated. According to the plea agreement, Melvin and at least 17 other employees worked together to assault inmates who refused to withdraw those requests.

Investigators say inmates were given the option to return to general population or face abuse. Reports were later falsified to make it appear inmates had attacked staff.

The scheme also included incentives for staff, including promotions and financial rewards.

Melvin received a 48-month sentence, which was less than prosecutors requested but more than what the defense sought.