A federal correctional officer has pleaded guilty to charges of bribery and introducing contraband into a prison, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Micheal Jason Brooks, 37, of Citra, entered his plea in connection with two counts: receipt of a bribe by a public official and providing contraband to a federal prisoner. Brooks could face up to 15 years in federal prison for the bribery charge and up to six months for the contraband offense. A sentencing date has not yet been determined.
Court records indicate that on June 12, 2024, Brooks was employed as a correctional officer at Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County under the United States Bureau of Prisons. On that date, he “knowingly and corruptly sought, and agreed to receive and accept, a bribe of $3,000 in return for smuggling 177.1 grams of loose tobacco into the federal prison for an inmate.” The possession or use of tobacco is prohibited among inmates as it is considered contraband. “Brooks provided the tobacco to the inmate on June 12, 2024,” according to court documents.
The investigation was conducted by the United States 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.
