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Press Release

Corrections Officer Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge today sentenced a former Alabama Department of Corrections Officer for unlawful possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in a state prison, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley.

Senior U.S. District Court Judge Karon O. Bowdre sentenced Gary Charles Dixon, Jr., 36, to 87 months in prison on one count of distribution of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. Dixon pleaded guilty to the charges on July 20, 2021.

“Smuggling contraband into our state prisons compromises the safety of everyone in the facility,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “This type of conduct, especially by those sworn to protect the institution, will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute corrections officers who violate positions of public trust.”

“Corrections officers have the responsibility to serve the public and protect their communities. This defendant abused that responsibility and used his position to distribute drugs,” stated Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley. “By doing so, he not only violated his duties as a corrections officer, but also endangered the health and safety of inmates and staff through his actions.”

According to the facts presented at the sentencing hearing, on November 15, 2020, Dixon attempted to smuggle 497 grams of methamphetamine into William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, Alabama,  where he was employed as a corrections officer.   

The DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Cross prosecuted.

 

 

 

Updated November 18, 2021

Topic
Drug Trafficking