Christine Mary Livingston, a former captain at the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), has admitted to her involvement in a bribery conspiracy. The scheme involved accepting bribes totaling $279,000 from prisoners and their family members in exchange for smuggling contraband into the Broad River Correctional Institute (BRCI) and failing to enforce contraband policies.
Livingston, who served as a captain at BRCI from 2016 until her resignation in November 2021, was responsible for managing security operations and enforcing contraband laws. However, from July 2018 through November 2021, she violated these duties by accepting bribes from at least 45 prisoners and three family members. She used at least 14 peer-to-peer payment accounts under false names to facilitate these transactions.
During this period, Livingston purchased over 173 cell phones on her personal Amazon account along with other phone-related accessories. Evidence against her included testimonies from witnesses such as family members of prisoners and records obtained from Facebook and contraband phones.
U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs commented on the case stating, “Livingston used her position and rank for personal, criminal gain which endangered other staff members and those housed at Broad River Correctional Institute.” SCDC Director Bryan Stirling added that the case highlights how illegal cellphones can negatively impact lives.
Jerell Reaves, a co-defendant who facilitated over $42,000 in bribes to Livingston, received a sentence of 60 months imprisonment followed by three years of supervision.
Livingston faces up to 20 years in federal prison. As part of her plea agreement, the Government will recommend up to eight years imprisonment along with monetary penalties amounting to $250,000 and forfeiture of assets equivalent to the full value of the bribes. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 30 before United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Columbia Field Office alongside SCDC's Office of Inspector General. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Michael Shedd.
