Florida Criminal Attorney Blog
A federal corrections officer from Clermont has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty in September to accepting a bribe by a public official.
According to the Department of Justice, the 32-year-old officer used his position as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County to smuggle contraband to inmates in exchange for money beginning in January.
The Department of Justice said federal agents monitored a June 18 meeting between the officer and a cooperating witness. During that meeting, the officer allegedly accepted $2,600 for items that he already smuggled into the prison.
Investigators met with the officer, and he apparently admitted he illegally negotiated $7,100 in cash payments in return for smuggling cell phones, prescription pills, tobacco, and other items to federal inmates.
Bribery charges are often highly publicized in the media. These crimes not only capture the public’s attention, but they have the ability to end careers and damage reputations. If convicted, the accused faces severe consequences, including lengthy time behind bars.
If you have been accused of accepting bribes, it is absolutely imperative that you seek the representation of an effective Sumter County Criminal Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton. As former prosecutors, we have extensive experience in federal court. We can protect your rights during this difficult, and often public process. For a free consultation, please call us today at 352-793-9330 or contact us online.