Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
Samuel Brandon Smith, a 37-year-old federal correctional officer from Ocala, Florida, has pleaded guilty to charges of bribery and providing contraband to a federal prisoner. Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced the plea. Smith could face up to 15 years in prison for the bribery charge and an additional five years for the contraband offense. A sentencing date is yet to be determined.
Court records reveal that Smith was employed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. Between December 18, 2023, and September 4, 2024, he accepted $43,901 in bribes to smuggle illegal items into the facility for inmates.
On September 4, 2024, Smith was intercepted by BOP staff upon reporting for duty at FCC Coleman. He was found carrying 668.1 grams of marijuana and other substances containing approximately 90 grams of THC concealed within his duty vest. These were intended for distribution among federal prisoners in exchange for monetary compensation.
The investigation was conducted 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.
