Smuggling an Expensive Grill into Prison
SAN DIEGO — A San Diego County inmate was sentenced to nearly three years for bribing a corrections officer to smuggle a gold and diamond grill into prison. Shawn Brown, a Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility inmate, received a 30-month sentence in federal court on Wednesday for bribing an officer to smuggle into prison dental molds and an expensive grill for his mouth.
The state corrections officer who helped Brown, Benito Jamar Hugie, was sentenced to 24 months in prison in March and was ordered to surrender to federal officials on May 6. Hugie admitted to smuggling a bejeweled grill into the prison in early 2020 and delivering it to Brown.
Ordering the Grill with a Smuggled Cellphone
According to federal prosecutors, the gold and diamond grill was ordered by Brown from a jeweler in Houston using a smuggled cellphone. Brown’s plea agreement revealed that the bribery scheme’s total value exceeded $30,000.
Additional Insight:
Smuggling items into prison poses a significant risk to both inmates and corrections officers. These illegal activities not only compromise the safety and security of the correctional facility but also result in severe consequences for those involved.
Losing Years and Career Due to the Scheme
During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo ordered Brown to forfeit the bejeweled grill to the government. However, Brown refused, claiming the grill was permantly affixed to his teeth. The government presented evidence from a jail surveillance video that proved the grill was removable.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath commented, “Diamonds are not always your friend. These schemes have cost Brown years of his life and Hugie his career and good name. Maybe regular teeth would have been a better option.”
Repercussions and Government Refusal
Federal prosecutors noted the gravity of the situation and emphasized the consequences of attempting to defy the law. Despite Brown’s refusal to surrender the grill, authorities will continue to enforce the court’s order.
Conclusion
The case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks and consequences of attempting to smuggle prohibited items into prison facilities. Both inmates and corrections officers should adhere to legal boundaries to avoid severe repercussions.
