Former federal corrections officer admits taking $80K in bribes in years-long contraband trafficking scheme

Written by: A. Smith

Published February 4, 2026 @ 10:47 AM ET

WAYNE COUNTY, Ga. – A former federal corrections officer has pleaded guilty to dozens of felony charges stemming from a years-long contraband trafficking scheme inside a South Georgia prison, federal prosecutors said.

Ashley Brown, 36, of Hinesville, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia to 24 counts of accepting bribes as a public official and 16 counts of money laundering. Prosecutors say Brown accepted more than $80,000 in bribes to smuggle drugs and other prohibited items into Federal Correctional Institution Jesup during the spring and summer of 2022.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Brown used three Cash App accounts registered under fictitious names — “Bonnie Bonnie,” “Clyde Clyde,” and “Honey Honey” — to receive payments from individuals connected to inmates housed at FCI Jesup. In exchange, she allowed contraband including methamphetamine, synthetic drugs such as K2, cell phones, cigarettes, and postage stamps to be brought into the prison. Investigators said Brown later transferred the money into her personal Cash App account in an effort to conceal the source of the funds.

The case initially charged Brown and seven current or former inmates with crimes ranging from bribery and money laundering to attempted possession of prison contraband. Federal officials said all defendants have now pleaded guilty and been adjudicated for their roles in the conspiracy. Several inmates received probation or additional jail time to be served consecutively to their existing sentences, while Brown and another defendant remain awaiting sentencing.

“This case underscores our commitment to protecting the integrity of the federal prison system,” U.S. Attorney Margaret E. Heap said in a statement. Department of Justice Inspector General Eric Fehlman added that Brown’s actions put both inmates and fellow officers at risk by allowing drugs and contraband inside a secure facility.

Brown’s sentencing date has not yet been announced.