Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A former religious services assistant has pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband into a federal prison. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced that 33-year-old Ashley Priscilla Garza from Beeville committed the offense while working at the Federal Correctional Institution in Three Rivers.
Garza confessed to utilizing her position to deliver unauthorized items, such as cigarettes, an MP3 player, and papers infused with synthetic opioids and other drugs, to an inmate during 2022 and 2023. In exchange, she accepted 13 payments amounting to approximately $11,400. Following the discovery of her actions, Garza was removed from her position.
The case, investigated by the Department of Justice-Office of Inspector General, is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Chu and Robert Thorpe. Sentencing is scheduled for August 12 before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos. Garza could receive a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison with a potential fine of up to $250,000. She has been allowed to remain on bond while awaiting the sentencing hearing.
