By Associated Press - Wednesday, October 21, 2015

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Prosecutors say a former correctional officer has pleaded guilty to accepting bribes to smuggle tobacco and synthetic marijuana into a federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance announced Wednesday that 25-year-old Donald D. Johnson pleaded guilty to accepting more than $4,000 in bribes. Johnson made his plea Tuesday.

Johnson, a former cook supervisor, was an employee of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and a public official when he accepted the bribes to smuggle tobacco and K2/Spice, or synthetic marijuana into the Talladega Federal Correctional Institution.



Vance says Johnson said in June that he received two prepaid debit cards worth $3,350 as bribery from inmates. He also said he received multiple money orders.

Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. His sentencing is set for Jan. 5.

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