Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
Janai Chanel Stephens, a 38-year-old resident of Opa Locka, has pleaded guilty to charges related to providing contraband to a federal prisoner and making false statements to a federal agency. Stephens could face up to five years in federal prison. Her sentencing date is yet to be determined following her indictment by a federal grand jury on May 28, 2024.
Court records indicate that on March 10, 2024, Stephens attempted to smuggle tobacco cigarettes into the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex located in Sumter County. Tobacco possession is prohibited for inmates due to concerns over prison order and security. Upon entering the facility, Stephens falsely assured a corrections officer that she was not carrying any tobacco products. Surveillance footage later captured her throwing a bag containing the cigarettes to an inmate during their meeting in the visitation room.
The case forms part of a broader initiative by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) task force targeting contraband and misconduct within the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The task force includes contributions from the BOP, DOJ's Office of the Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
The investigation was conducted by both the BOP and DEA, with Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson handling prosecution duties.
