Pubdate: Wed, 13 Nov 2013
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Copyright: 2013 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC.
Contact:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365
Author: Reed Williams
Page: B2
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption - United States)

EX-U.S. CORRECTIONS OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY

Colonial Heights Man Accused of Accepting Bribe, Smuggling Contraband
into Federal Prison

A former federal corrections officer could spend years behind bars for
accepting a bribe and smuggling marijuana and cigarettes into a
federal prison in Prince George County.

The former correctional officer, Jeffery T. Jones, 53, of Colonial
Heights pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Richmond to two of
nine counts in an indictment against him.

He admitted to accepting money to provide marijuana and cigarettes to
two prisoners at the Federal Correctional Complex Petersburg in Prince
George.

According to court documents, Jones accepted more than $1,500 in
payments and smuggled 4.5 ounces of marijuana and about 10 cartons of
cigarettes into the prison.

Jones, who said he was a federal prison officer for more than 21 years
before he resigned about a year ago, could face up to 20 years in
prison when he is sentenced next year.

Patrick W. Gregory, one of the two inmates charged in the alleged
conspiracy, pleaded guilty Tuesday to bribing a public official and to
conspiracy to possess marijuana with the intent to distribute it. He
also faces up to 20 years in prison.

Both Gregory and Jones are set to be sentenced Feb.
14.

The other defendant, Alvin D. Hall, 34, has a plea agreement hearing
scheduled for Thursday.

A jury trial had been set for all three men for Monday.

Authorities have alleged that Hall and Gregory paid Jones to bring
heroin, marijuana and cigarettes into the prison. But Jones and
Gregory did not admit guilt to the allegations involving heroin.

Authorities allege that the conspiracy began before September 2012 and
continued through Nov. 1, 2012.
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