A former corrections officer has pled guilty to accepting bribes. Justin Matthew Gonzalez, 26, of Three Rivers, admitted to the acts, which included smuggling contraband into Three Rivers Correctional Institution. He now faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years and a hefty fine, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Digging into the details of the case, Gonzalez's plea revealed he took around $1,600 in bribe payments, for the task of smuggling cigarettes into the facility. This was confirmed when authorities found 16 packets of cigarettes in his bag on February 11, 2021. U.S Attorney Hamdani emphasized the betrayal of trust stating, "Public service is a public trust, especially for those in positions in corrections and law enforcement". Hamdani further highlighted the rigorous ethical standards expected of such officials and the importance of holding those accountable who fail to meet them, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Special Agent in Charge Cloey C. Pierce, from the Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG), South Central Region, echoed these sentiments, “Gonzalez’s selfish acts compromised the safety and security of the federal prison. The Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) is committed to rooting out bribery schemes and bringing perpetrators to justice,” a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The case, investigated by the DOJ-OIG, will conclude with sentencing by U.S. District Judge David S. Morales on November 20. According to the details shared, the former officer may receive up to 15 years in federal prison and could be fined up to $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa Collins and Carolyn Ferko are mentioned as the prosecutors for the case. Meanwhile, Gonzalez remains on bond until the sentencing hearing later this year.
