A Beeville resident and former religious services assistant has been charged with smuggling contraband into a federal prison. Ashley Priscilla Garza, 32, appeared in federal court in Corpus Christi facing allegations of receiving bribes during her employment at Federal Correctional Institution Three Rivers.
The indictment, which was returned on June 26, accuses Garza of having abused her authority to allegedly smuggle items to an inmate in exchange for payment during the years of 2022 and 2023. Garza is now facing the reality of up to 15 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000 if convicted. Despite the formal charges, it’s important to remember to not split the presumption of innocence from the due process, as the indictment itself is not evidence of guilt, according to a statement released by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Dunn and Michael Chu, following an investigation conducted by the Department of Justice-Office of Inspector General. Specific details about the type of contraband Garza allegedly smuggled have not been disclosed at this time. As per the justice system, Garza retains the right to an impartial trial where she will be able to present her defense. It is only should she be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, that consequences will be administered as per the law.
