Philadelphia federal prison guard accused of sex with inmate, aiding escape attempt

A guard at Philadelphia's federal prison has been indicted for engaging in sexual acts with a female inmate and attempting to help the inmate escape.

A federal indictment unsealed today says 47-year-old Lamont Lucas was working as a guard at the Federal Detention Center when he engaged in sex acts with the inmate between February and May 2012.

He is also accused of giving the woman sterling silver earrings -- which were prohibited at the prison -- and aiding the inmate in an attempted escape in May 2012.

Lucas has an initial court appearance this afternoon. He faces charges of sexual abuse of a ward, providing contraband in a prison and instigating or assisting an attempted escape.