A former correctional officer at the Federal Corrections Institution Gilmer has admitted to accepting bribes from inmates in exchange for smuggling contraband into the facility. Hector Lopez, 41, of Weston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to bribery of a public official.
According to court documents, Lopez received $40,000 in payments either directly from inmates or through others acting on their behalf. These payments were made as compensation for bringing unauthorized items into the prison.
Lopez could face up to 15 years in federal prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided over the proceedings.
