Phoenix Reentry Supervisor Sentenced for Inmate Abuse

Morris Gary Hibbitt, a 51-year-old former security supervisor at Behavioral Systems Southwest in Phoenix, was sentenced to 13 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release for sexually abusing a female inmate under his supervision in May 2023. Hibbitt pled guilty, acknowledging in his plea agreement that inmates are legally incapable of consenting to sexual acts with staff members. The incident occurred at the federally contracted reentry facility, which helps inmates transition back into the community. Hibbitt will be required to register as a sex offender following his release. The Department of Justice, the Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI investigated the case. The sentencing highlights ongoing concerns about abuse of power by staff in correctional and reentry facilities.