Former Lexington prison staffer pleads guilty to sex abuse, providing contraband

A former federal prison employee in Lexington pleaded guilty this week to having sex with a prisoner.

Ariell Zulewski, a former recreation specialist at the Federal Medical Center, pleaded guilty Nov. 14 to charges of abusive sexual contact and bribery of public officials and witnesses.

Zulewski had sex with an inmate between December 2023 and February 2024, according to the plea agreement. She also sent nude photos of herself to the inmate’s contraband cellphone.

She brought him tobacco and vapes, too, according to the plea agreement.

Zulewski received two CashApp payments totalling $500 for not reporting the contraband, according to court documents.

She could face a total of four years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Zulewski’s sentencing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 13, 2026, in Lexington.

Taylor Six

Lexington Herald-Leader

Taylor Six is the criminal justice reporter at the Herald-Leader. She was born and raised in Lexington attending Lafayette High School. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2018 with a degree in journalism. She previously worked as the government reporter for the Richmond Register.