Florida correctional officer facing up to six months for selling cigarettes to inmates

FLORIDA – A former Bureau of Prisons correctional officer has pleaded guilty to providing contraband to federal inmates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO) has announced.

James Edward Davis, 52, of Orlando, pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of providing contraband into a prison. He faces a maximum penalty of six months in federal prison. United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the plea.

According to court records, Davis is a retired Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) correctional officer. In 2019, he was working as a BOP correctional officer at the United States Penitentiary II, Federal Correctional Complex Coleman in Florida.

Between December 10, 2018, and February 1, 2019, Davis gave cigarettes to Coleman inmates in exchange for payment.

When confronted, Davis reportedly told BOP staff that he “really messed up,” had “a weak moment,” and “brought cigarettes in for an inmate,” said the USAO.

The USAO said Davis added that he had been paid in two separate transactions for smuggling in the contraband—one payment was for $1,300, and another was for $1,400.

Cigarettes are an item prohibited by the prison’s rules. If possessed by inmates, they threaten the order, discipline, and security of the prison as well as the life, health, and safety of other prisoners and staff, said the USAO.

Davis faces a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, according to court documents.

This case is being investigated by the United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.