Michael J. Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, announced that Christopher Cox, aged 35, of Pelham, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Louis Sands to serve 15 months in federal prison for conspiracy to smuggle contraband into a detention facility in exchange for bribes. The sentence was pronounced on June 12, 2014 in Albany, Georgia.
Mr. Cox entered a guilty plea on April 2, 2 014. As a part of his plea agreement, Mr. Cox admitted that from about April 15, 2013 to May 16, 2013, while employed as a Correctional Officer at the Mize Street Detention Facility in Pelham, Georgia, he accepted money from inmates in custody at the facility in exchange for cell phones, liquor, marijuana and food, which are prohibited objects for the inmates.
“When people violate the law, they wind up in prison. While there, the last thing we expect is that one of the prison guards will help them to violate the law and the rules of the facility. Mr. Cox did just that, and we will make sure that for the duration of his sentence he won’t be a part of smuggling any contraband," said U.S. Attorney Michael Moore.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshal Service and the Pelham Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Leah E. McEwen is representing the Government in the prosecution of the case.
Questions concerning this case should be directed to Pamela Lightsey, Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, at (478) 621-2603.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
