A 52-year-old Orlando man who worked as a corrections officer at a federal prison has pled guilty to providing contraband in the form of cigarettes to inmates at the prison.
James Edward Davis pled guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of providing contraband in prison, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida issued on April 27.
According to court records, Davis is a retired correction officer who worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In 2019, Davis was working as a correctional officer at the United States Penitentiary II, Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman, Florida.
Between December 10, 2018 and February 1, 2019, Davis gave contraband to Coleman inmates in exchange for payment. Davis was paid $1,300 and $1,400 for two separate transactions in which he smuggled cigarettes in for an inmate.
When confronted, Davis told staff that he “really messed up,” had a “weak moment,” and “brought cigarettes in for an inmate.”
Cigarettes are prohibited by prison rules.
Davis faces a maximum penalty of six months in federal prison.