A former Shelby County Division of Corrections internal investigator has pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe. Deon Scott, 41, admitted to taking money as a public official in exchange for bringing contraband to an inmate. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Scott worked for the Shelby County Office of Professional Standards, an agency responsible for maintaining ethical practices within correctional facilities, which house federal inmates.
Scott entered his plea last Thursday before Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. He was immediately removed from his position following the discovery of his misconduct. Scott’s sentencing is scheduled for February 19, 2026, and he faces up to 15 years in prison. “Official misconduct and corruption by correctional officers in positions of trust and authority undermine the foundational integrity of our government institutions and compromise the safety and security of correctional facilities,” said United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant in an official statement.
The guilty plea concludes an investigation conducted by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Secret Service. The prosecution team, which included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lynn Crum and Greg Wagner, along with former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks, handled the case.
Full details and updates on the upcoming sentencing can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.
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