Former Corrections Officer Admits to Taking Bribes

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A former correctional officer at Federal Corrections Institution Gilmer has admitted to taking bribes from inmates in exchange for smuggling in contraband.

Hector Lopez, age 41, of Weston, West Virginia pled guilty to bribery of a public official. According to the plea agreement, Lopez accepted $40,000 in payments from or on behalf of inmates as payment for smuggling contraband into the prison.

Lopez faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General investigated.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.