(The following article appeared in the Georgia Times Union on February 19. Reprinted with permission.)

BRUNSWICK - A former correctional officer admitted in court Thursday he took bribes to smuggle marijuana, a cell phone, cigarettes and other contraband into inmates at the federal prison in Jesup.

Thomas C. McCoy, 25, of Baxley pleaded guilty to a federal charge of accepting a bribe as a public official. In exchange, the government will dismiss related counts of conspiracy and attempting to provide prohibited objects to inmates.

McCoy faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.

He admitted that while working as a guard inside the Federal Correctional Institution in Jesup, he accepted a $1,000 bribe from an inmate’s girlfriend on May 15, 2008, to smuggle pot and other forbidden items into the prison.

“I accepted money to bring in contraband: cigarettes, a cell phone, a small amount of marijuana and some other small items into the prison,” McCoy testified.

McCoy also admitted to taking bribes on several other occasions to smuggle in contraband that included alcohol, chewing tobacco and sunglasses, as detailed by the federal agent who led the investigation.

Special Agent Claire Foley of the Department of Justice testified McCoy accepted bribes totaling $5,800 from Dec. 1, 2007, through May 21, 2008, to bring the forbidden items to inmates.

Acting on a tip from an inmate, agents launched an undercover investigation with the help of an inmate and his girlfriend on the outside, Foley said. The girlfriend made arrangements to pay McCoy the $1,000 to take marijuana and cigarettes into the prison.

Agents intercepted McCoy with the pot and cigarettes right after he entered inside the prison on May 21, Foley said.

The indictments say that agents found the cigarettes and marijuana inside McCoy’s socks.

Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony Alaimo allowed McCoy to remain free on $15,000 bail until he is sentenced.