A former corrections officer pleaded guilty Thursday to smuggling drugs, alcohol and phones into a federal lockup in downtown Los Angeles in exchange for cash bribes and a Chevrolet Tahoe.
Samuel Morales was arrested after he was searched June 1 during enhanced security screening at the Metropolitan Detention Center, and a vial of cocaine was discovered hidden on his body, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Subsequent to arrest, Morales was also found to have a bag of an unidentified rock-like substance, a bag of unidentified green pills and multiple SIM phone cards hidden in his underwear, authorities said.
He pleaded guilty Thursday in Los Angeles federal court to charges of receiving a bribe by a public official and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. A judge set sentencing for Dec. 4.
Morales admitted in his plea agreement that on five separate occasions from November 2024 to June 1, 2025, he smuggled various prohibited items, including drugs, alcohol and phones, into the lockup and then handed them over to inmates in exchange for cash and a vehicle.
Related Articles
Exactly 36 years after murdering their parents, Menendez brothers prep for parole hearings 2 Southern California abbots file countersuit against Buddhist nun for $5 million DUI driver gets 19 years to life for 5 Freeway crash in Irvine that killed 2 Huntington Beach music executive gets 4 years for ties to Mexican cartel promoter Woman gets life in prison for 2021 shooting death of friend in Fountain ValleyIn February, the former U.S. Bureau of Prisons employee accepted a white 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe with a value exceeding $25,000 as payment for smuggling contraband into the detention center, federal prosecutors stated.
Morales faces a possible prison sentence of up to 35 years, lifetime supervised release and a fine of $1.2 million, according to the DOJ.
Morales’ attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.
Hence then, the article about ex guard at federal la lockup pleads guilty to smuggling contraband in exchange for cash suv was published today ( ) and is available on The Orange County Register ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ex-guard at federal LA lockup pleads guilty to smuggling contraband in exchange for cash, SUV )
Also on site :
- 12-year old Russian beats world chess champion
- Body recovered from Lake Natoma amid search for missing man
- ‘The Princess Bride’ Star Cary Elwes Shares Tribute to Rob Reiner: ‘From That Very First Meeting I Fell In Love With Him’