Former Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility corrections officer Joshua Lee, 22, of Wyandotte, pled guilty on April 24 to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a state prisoner. The announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Lee admitted to engaging in multiple sexual acts with several prisoners while working at the prison.
Attorney General Nessel said the case underscores the importance of accountability for those in positions of authority within correctional institutions. “No one is above the law, and everyone deserves safety from sexual abuse,” Nessel said. “My office is committed to prosecuting those who weaponize their authority to exploit the very people they are assigned to monitor and protect. Through the combined efforts of the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Michigan State Police, and prosecutors in my department, we have ensured that Mr. Lee will not only be held accountable but can no longer abuse his position.”
Lee was initially charged by the Department of Attorney General in November 2025 with four counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a state prisoner after an investigation referred by the Michigan State Police.
The case has also highlighted gaps in current Michigan law regarding offenses committed by corrections officers against inmates. While state law criminalizes sexual contact by corrections officers, there is no statute specifically addressing cases involving sexual penetration by staff members. As a result, both contact and penetration offenses must be prosecuted under second-degree charges.
Nessel said she hopes lawmakers will update statutes so that first- and third-degree criminal sexual conduct laws explicitly cover cases where corrections staff commit acts of penetration against inmates.
Lee is scheduled for sentencing on June 18 at 10:30 a.m., before Judge Arianne E. Slay in Washtenaw County’s 22nd Circuit Court.