A former federal prison nurse has been indicted for a sexual relationship with an inmate and lying to investigators.
According to court documents, Jessica Lynn Larson, 37, was employed by the Bureau of Prisons and assigned to the Federal Medical Center in Rochester. Authorities say she developed a romantic relationship with an inmate, exchanging sexually explicit letters before engaging in a sexual encounter in a shower room on April 3, 2024.
The relationship came to light when fellow nursing staff reported the relationship, prompting a search of the inmate’s cell. Investigators say letters from Larson were discovered concealed inside the cell. Additional letters from the inmate were reportedly found in Larson’s backpack.
Following the discovery, Larson allegedly attempted to cover up the relationship by submitting an official report falsely accusing the inmate of sexual assault and claiming he had threatened her children. Prosecutors say these claims were fabricated.
After being placed on administrative leave, Larson allegedly drove over 600 miles from her residence in Iowa to Ohio two months later to send a letter to the same inmate who had been transferred to another federal facility.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick emphasized the seriousness of the charges, particularly due to the power dynamics involved:
“In Minnesota, we take sexual abuse—particularly when committed by those in positions of authority—very seriously,” Kirkpatrick stated. “Likewise, lying to the United States is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute defendants who commit these crimes.”
“In Minnesota, we take sexual abuse—particularly when committed by those in positions of authority—very seriously,” Kirkpatrick stated. “Likewise, lying to the United States is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute defendants who commit these crimes.”
Larson is scheduled to make her first appearance in United States District Court on April 9, 2025.
