US DOJ unseals indictments alleging bribery and contraband smuggling at Florida detention facility

The US Department of Justice said four indictments charge employees, inmates and associates connected to Citrus County Detention Facility with bribery, conspiracy, contraband introduction and drug-related offences. According to the indictments, correctional officers and other personnel allegedly accepted payments to smuggle cellphones and controlled substances into the facility.

The charges include alleged payments of $4,000 to two correctional officers and other alleged bribes. The DOJ said the indictments are formal charges; the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.