Officer pleads guilty to sexually abusing ICE detainee at Louisiana facility

Story written by: Gray Louisiana

A former detention officer at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile pleaded guilty Monday, Dec. 29, in federal court in Lafayette to one count of sexual abuse of a ward or individual in federal custody. David Courvelle, 56, entered the guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Robert Summerhays as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison. According to court records, Courvelle worked as a contract detention officer at the facility, which is operated by GEO Group Inc., between Jan. 1 and July 30. The facility houses women and detainees of various gender identities. Prosecutors said Courvelle began a personal and romantic relationship with a Nicaraguan detainee identified by the initials C.H., who was being held on an immigration matter. Between May and July, Courvelle had sexual contact with the detainee multiple times while she was under his custodial and supervisory authority, according to court documents. Prosecutors said the encounters took place inside the detention center, including in a janitorial closet. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Johnson said Courvelle arranged for other detainees to act as lookouts during the encounters. On July 16, detention center staff saw Courvelle and the detainee exiting a janitorial closet, prompting his transfer to another housing unit. Prosecutors also allege that Courvelle smuggled gifts such as food, jewelry, letters and pictures of the woman’s daughter into the facility. Courvelle resigned July 30 after learning investigators had obtained recordings of phone calls between him and the detainee. During a September interview with ICE Office of Inspector General agents, Courvelle initially denied the relationship before later admitting to it, prosecutors said. Summerhays said Courvelle could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000. Courvelle was released Monday on a $10,000 bond. Sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2026.