A federal corrections officer working in a prison in southern New Jersey has been accused of sexual misconduct with an inmate in federal custody, according to the Justice Department.
Jordan Pensak, a 27-year-old corrections officer from Middlesex County, was charged with one count of sexual abuse of an individual in federal custody in a criminal complaint filed by U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer.
Pensak worked as a corrections officer at Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix, which is a low-security prison located in Burlington County.
According to the complaint and court documents, Pensak had a consensual sexual relationship with an inmate in federal custody and engaged in sexual intercourse with him in January 2026. According to federal law, there is no defense of consent in such cases.
Also, the two exchanged sexually explicit images and messages using social media and other electronic applications, according to the prosecutors. The inmate used two contraband cell phones to communicate with Pensak while being in custody.
Pensak confessed to the affair in text messages sent to several persons, including the family members of the inmate, according to the prosecutors. In one of her messages, she mentioned that she was concerned about her possible pregnancy with the inmate’s child.
Pensak made her first appearance in court on July 28 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal in Camden and was released on bail. It was not clear whether she had an attorney available to comment on her behalf.
She faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison if found guilty.
Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI and Special Agent in Charge Timothy Edminston of the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the Special Prosecutions Division is prosecuting the case.
The charges in the complaint are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty.
