A former correctional officer at a federal prison in Florida has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and smuggling contraband to inmates.
Samuel Brandon Smith, 37, of Ocala, faces up to 15 years in federal prison for bribery and up to 5 years for providing contraband to a federal prisoner.
According to court records, Smith worked as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. Between December 2023 and September 2024, he received over $43,000 in bribes to smuggle contraband, including marijuana and THC, into the prison for inmates.
READ: Tampa Man With Extensive Criminal History Sentenced For Counterfeiting Cash
On September 4, 2024, Smith was caught red-handed when Bureau of Prisons (BOP) staff found 668.1 grams of marijuana and other THC substances hidden in his duty vest as he reported for work.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson is prosecuting the case.
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