Two corrections officers charged with violating a prisoner’s civil rights

Court Gavel Judge
News Release

|

|

Community Bulletin

The Healthy Hero Hustle 5K Run/Walk in Buckhannon will return for its third year on Saturday, September 19, 2026, as WVU Medicine St. Joseph's Hospital and West Virginia Wesleyan College team up again to benefit nursing students. Read more →

This story brought to you paywall-free, courtesy of the My Buckhannon team and our community partners

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two correctional officers from United States Penitentiary Hazleton have been charged with civil rights violations involving the assault of a prisoner.

Robert David Sims, 40, of Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, and Joshua David Sines, 38, of Friendsville, Maryland, were each charged with one count of deprivation of rights and one count of assault with serious bodily injury. According to the indictment, Sims and Sines, while employed by USP Hazleton in Preston County, struck an inmate in the face, head, arms, and torso, causing significant injuries.

If convicted, Sims and Sines each face up to 20 years in prison for the civil rights charge and up to 10 years for the assault charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

[STJ] [2026-05-18] MyChart

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Flower is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Local Businesses

[TWIN] [2025-08-08] Meadowlands
[SAMS] [2026-06-10] Hiring Delivery Drivers

Recent Stories

News Release ·

WVU to induct 4 into Order of Vandalia

WVU will induct David Alvarez, Steve Antoline, David Hendrickson and Bill Wilmoth into the Order of Vandalia on June 19, honoring their loyalty and service through leadership, business and fundraising. The ceremony will also remember five Vandalians who died in the past year.