Content warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault.
Joshua Lee, former corrections officer at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, was sentenced to 18 months to 15 years in prison with eligibility for parole eligibility Thursday morning. Lee pled guilty to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a state prisoner at the 22nd Circuit Court in Washtenaw County.
The case was initially referred to the Michigan Department of Attorney General in November 2025, following an investigation into recurring instances of sexual assault at WHV by the Michigan State Police. Subsequently, Lee was initially charged with four counts of sexual assault involving penetration. He pled guilty to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct in his district court hearing, while the remaining three charges were dismissed in April as part of a plea agreement.
During Lee’s sentencing, Assistant Attorney General Keith Clark said abuses of power within incarceration facilities undermine the institution’s integrity and rehabilitation efforts.
“The very nature of having a relationship with a prisoner inside of a prison threatens the entire safety and security of the institution,” Clark said. “It increases the possibility of inequities in power structure, which can lead to violence among prisoners.”
In addition to time in prison, Lee’s sentence requires him to register on the Michigan Sex Offender Registry for 25 years and complete the Michigan Sexual Abuse Prevention Program. Lee is eligible to appeal the sentence until July 30.
While the state of Michigan Constitution criminalizes sexual contact from correctional officers, it also states officers cannot be charged with first or second-degree criminal sexual conduct — regardless of the specifics of the charges. Attorney General Dana Nessel has spoken out in reference to this case, calling for state lawmakers to amend the state’s constitution to hold correctional officers to the same legal consequences for sexual assault.
This case — along with recent deaths at WHV — has sparked conversations regarding recurring health and safety concerns within both the facility and the Michigan Department of Corrections. Judge Arianne E. Slay referenced broader systemic concerns of incarcerated women experiencing sexual violence when addressing the court. Slay said corrections officers hold a position of power and have a responsibility to care for the women at the facility — not take advantage of their vulnerable position as inmates.
“These were exceedingly egregious acts,” Slay said. “You’ve harmed some of our most vulnerable people in our community. I think the part that kind of struck me, I’m not sure at the time (of the acts) you thought that you were harming them — which is worrisome, because you were in such a position of power.”
WHV has also received scrutiny over the alleged medical neglect of its inmates. During the hearing, Slay referenced an instance where Lee was seen making sexual contact with an inmate in need of immediate medical care.
“Lee’s conduct threatened the security of WHV,” Slay said. “Namely, at least one instance when another prisoner was having a seizure, Mr. Lee was involved in sexual contact.”
Throughout the initial investigation of Lee’s charges, a majority of the victims decided to maintain public anonymity. However, continuing concerns for medical neglect — including the deaths of inmates Rebecca Fackler, Ashley Hoath and Khaira Howard — have influenced more formerly incarcerated women to speak publicly on WHV.
In response, community advocates across Washtenaw County have called for clemency for hundreds of inmates, resignation of MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington and closure of WHV entirely.
Current WHV inmate Lilly Xiong delivered a victim impact statement at Lee’s sentencing. Xiong said Lee took advantage of his position of power as a corrections officer, and the assault has impacted her ability to engage with the rehabilitative community at the facility.
“He preyed on my vulnerability for wanting to be accepted and loved,” Xiong said. “I lived in turmoil between being okay when I was not … I endured countless moments of humiliation and shame for who I am — and made to be a source of entertainment in my environment, because of this situation.”
During Thursday’s hearing, Clark said Lee has allegedly led victims to believe he was pursuing a romantic relationship with them. Under state law, incarcerated individuals cannot legally consent to sexual conduct with a corrections officer.
“He took advantage of the fact they were in custody with limited opportunity for romantic involvement from other males while in prison,” Clark said. “He made promises of assistance when released from prison, told them that they were in monogamous relationships and that he loved them.”
Lee spoke on his behalf at the conclusion of the sentencing. He said he would accept the sentence he received, and apologized to the victims.
“I would like to apologize to the victims in this case,” Lee said. “I had no intention of causing any harm or (upset) … I went about this like a child.”
Prior to Lee’s final sentencing, Clark added a statement on behalf of the victims who did not provide victim impact statements. Despite the charges brought against Lee, Clark said Lee’s victims and women at WHV are not asking for Lee’s imprisonment.
“(The state) took into consideration the defendant’s youth, his last criminal experience and the fact that although all the victims in this case wanted to hold him accountable, they did not want to see him serve in prison for his crime,” Clark said.
As the final remarks before sentencing, Xiong said she hopes for accountability moving forward.
“I have never wanted to blend into the walls around me more seamlessly,” Xiong said. “This has been a really terrible, traumatic and lonely journey full of pain for me. All I want is for (Lee) to take accountability.”
Summer News Editor Kylie Harmala can be reached at kharmala@umich.edu.
