Lexington, Ky., November 18, 2025
Ariell Zulewski, 40, a former recreation specialist at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, has pleaded guilty to charges of sexual abuse and bribery. Zulewski engaged in sexual acts with an inmate, exchanged contraband items, and accepted bribes for not reporting the smuggling. She faces significant legal penalties, including up to four years in prison. The case sheds light on ongoing issues of staff misconduct within correctional facilities.
Former FMC Lexington Employee Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse and Bribery
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A former employee of the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Lexington, Kentucky, has pleaded guilty to charges of sexual abuse and bribery. Ariell Zulewski, 40, admitted to engaging in sexual acts with an inmate between December 2023 and February 2024, and to accepting bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the facility.
Details of the Offenses
According to court documents, Zulewski, who served as a recreation specialist at FMC Lexington, had sexual contact with an inmate during the specified period. She also sent nude photos to the inmate’s contraband cellphone. Additionally, Zulewski provided contraband items, including tobacco and vapes, to the inmate and received $500 via CashApp for not reporting the contraband. These actions violated federal laws prohibiting sexual contact between correctional staff and inmates, as well as laws against bribery and smuggling contraband into federal facilities.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Penalties
Zulewski pleaded guilty to charges of abusive sexual contact and bribery of public officials and witnesses. She faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Lexington. The case was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the FBI, with the United States represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zach Dembo.
Background on FMC Lexington
The Federal Medical Center in Lexington is a federal prison facility that houses inmates requiring medical care. The facility has previously been the subject of investigations into staff misconduct. In 2019, a former drug treatment specialist at FMC Lexington was sentenced to 80 months in prison for sexually assaulting four women enrolled in his drug treatment classes. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about staff misconduct within the Bureau of Prisons and the need for continued vigilance and reform to ensure the safety and integrity of federal correctional institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges did Ariell Zulewski plead guilty to?
Zulewski pleaded guilty to charges of abusive sexual contact and bribery of public officials and witnesses.
What is the maximum penalty Zulewski faces?
Zulewski faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
When is Zulewski’s sentencing scheduled?
Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Lexington.
What is the Federal Medical Center in Lexington?
The Federal Medical Center in Lexington is a federal prison facility that houses inmates requiring medical care.
Has FMC Lexington been involved in previous staff misconduct cases?
Yes, in 2019, a former drug treatment specialist at FMC Lexington was sentenced to 80 months in prison for sexually assaulting four women enrolled in his drug treatment classes.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Ariell Zulewski, 40, former recreation specialist at FMC Lexington |
| Offenses | Abusive sexual contact, bribery, smuggling contraband |
| Victim | Inmate at FMC Lexington |
| Contraband Items | Tobacco, vapes |
| Bribe Amount | $500 via CashApp |
| Potential Penalties | Up to 4 years in prison, up to $250,000 fine |
| Sentencing Date | February 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. in Lexington |
| Previous Incidents at FMC Lexington | 2019: Former drug treatment specialist sentenced to 80 months in prison for sexually assaulting four women |
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