A former corrections officer at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Jesup, Georgia, has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and money laundering in connection with a contraband trafficking scheme that operated within the prison during the spring and summer of 2022.
Ashley Brown, 36, of Hinesville, Georgia, entered her plea before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. She admitted guilt to 24 counts of public official accepting a bribe and 16 counts of laundering monetary instruments. According to court documents, Brown received more than $80,000 in bribes from individuals associated with inmates at FCI Jesup. These payments were sent through Cash App accounts under fictitious names including “Bonnie Bonnie,” “Clyde Clyde,” and “Honey Honey.” The funds were later transferred to her personal account in an effort to conceal their origin.
In exchange for these payments, Brown allowed contraband items such as methamphetamine, K2 synthetic cannabinoids, cell phones, postage stamps, and cigarettes into the facility. The investigation by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General identified multiple inmates who provided money to Brown using digital payment records.
Brown was one of eight people charged in this case. All defendants have now been found guilty for their roles. Those charged include current or former inmates Navarus “Tez” Bryant (awaiting sentencing), Adrian “Abe” Sims (awaiting sentencing), Eric Reyes (sentenced to three years’ probation), Larry Andrews (five years’ probation), Demarcus Bell (one month imprisonment consecutive to current sentence), Quinton Davis (one month imprisonment consecutive), and Joshua Whigan (one month imprisonment consecutive).
“In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to protecting the integrity of our nation’s prison system from those who would exploit them for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Heap for the Southern District of Georgia.
“Brown violated her sworn duty as a Correctional Officer by allowing drugs and other contraband into FCI Jesup, putting inmates and her fellow correctional officers at risk,” stated Eric Fehlman, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Southeast Region. “The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General is committed to bringing to justice any Correctional Officer that violates their oath and smuggles contraband into federal prisons.”
The case was investigated by agents from the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson and Ryan E. Bondura prosecuted it.
For further information about this case or related matters contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
