LONDON, Ky. — Sentencing for former guard who revealed an “unofficial policy” of prisoner assault at the Martin County federal prison will take place next week, with the prosecution and defense differing widely on what his sentence should be.

Terry Melvin, 60, who worked as a lieutenant at U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to conspiracy against rights and deprivation of civil rights.

In his plea agreement, Melvin revealed a conspiracy with at least 17 other prison employees to assault prisoners requesting protective custody in order to reduce the population of the special housing unit.

In court filings this week, prosecutors and Melvin’s attorney have different opinions of what sentence would be appropriate for him.

While sentencing guidelines call for incarceration between 63 and 78 months, Melvin’s attorney argues that his age, health issues and service in the military should result in a downward departure to 12 months and one day.

But prosecutors are asking for a sentence of 63 months, which they say would help restore public faith in law enforcement and send a message to Bureau of Prisons employees about the seriousness of the crime.

Melvin will learn how the judge will decide when he is sentenced April 2 at the London federal courthouse.