A former Corrections Officer at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) admitted to smuggling drugs and cell phones into the facility for money, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.
Anibal Navarro, 38, of Chula Vista, a former Corrections Officer, pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Illegal Narcotics and one count of Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds Thursday in connection with an indictment that includes 10 others in a two-year-long scheme.
According to his plea agreement, Navarro admitted he was paid $45,000 over a period of two years for smuggling drugs and cell phones into the facility. Prisoners, their family members and other associates paid him for the deeds from 2014 to 2016, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.
Navarro was arrested on June 26, 2016, as he attempted to smuggle heroin, methamphetamine, and phones into the prison.
Ten other individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury on charges they conspired with Navarro on smuggling drugs and phones into prison. Those other individuals' cases are pending.
The public can report allegations of public corruption to the FBI by using their hotline at (877) NO-BRIBE (662-7423).
