FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          CONTACT:  DAVILYN WALSTON
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2007            PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/txe                                        PHONE: (409) 839-2538
                                                                                                 CELL: (409) 553-9881

FEDERAL PRISON GUARD INDICTED ON DRUG CHARGES

BEAUMONT, TX—United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a federal prison guard with attempting to deliver drugs to an inmate in the Eastern District of Texas. 

JOHN LEROY CHAMBERS, III, 26, of Beaumont, was indicted and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and attempting to provide contraband in prison.

            According to prosecutors, Chambers, a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Institution's Medium Facility in Beaumont, is accused of attempting to smuggle marijuana into the facility on behalf of an inmate in exchange for money.  Chambers was arrested on November 27, 2007.

If convicted, Chambers could receive up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by the Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brit Featherston.

            It is important to note that an indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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