Memphis, TN – A former corrections officer for a federal correctional institution in Arkansas has been indicted for attempting to smuggle contraband into the facility. Edward L. Stanton III, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictment today.
In September 2015, John Brooks, 28, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, was employed as a corrections officer at Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Forrest City, Arkansas when he accepted money in exchange for agreeing to smuggle marijuana into the facility and to inmates.
On Tuesday, December 15, 2015, Brooks was indicted federally on one count of accepting money in exchange for agreeing to smuggle marijuana into the institution in violation of his official duties. Brooks faces up to 15 years imprisonment if convicted of the charge.
Brooks was also indicted on one count of attempting to provide marijuana to an inmate. He faces up to five years if convicted of the charge.
The defendant faces an individual fine of up to $250,000 for each count.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard is prosecuting this case on the government’s behalf.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.