A former federal correctional officer in Atwater pleaded guilty Tuesday to obstructing justice in connection with her alleged assault of an inmate, authorities announced.

Sandra Munagay, 44, of Atwater, a former Senior Correctional Officer at the U.S. Penitentiary in Atwater, admitted she falsified a report after a 2023 incident in which she punched an inmate in the face, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said.

Court documents state that Munagay had a verbal dispute with the inmate, who tried to walk away. She pursued him, and when he turned back toward her, she struck him. Later, Munagay submitted a report claiming the inmate had acted aggressively and that her hand accidentally landed on his cheek.

Video surveillance contradicted her account, showing that she was the aggressor.

Munagay acknowledged that her false statements were made with the intent to impede the Department of Justice’s investigation, which was conducted by the Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case.

She is scheduled to be sentenced June 15 by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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