A federal correctional officer has been arrested in Ocala, Florida, for alleged bribery and introducing contraband into a prison. Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced the arrest of Michael Jason Brooks, 37, from Citra. Brooks faces charges of receiving a bribe as a public official and providing contraband to a federal prisoner. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison for bribery and up to six months for the contraband offense.
Court documents reveal that on June 12, 2024, Brooks was employed by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. He allegedly agreed to accept money in exchange for introducing contraband into the facility for an inmate. On that date, Brooks reportedly provided tobacco to an inmate.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation of a federal criminal offense. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson is prosecuting the case.