Former Correctional Center Employee Pleads to Accepting Bribes

A former employee with the Atlanta-based Correctional Center Dismas Charities, Inc., pleaded guilty on April 29 in federal district court to soliciting and taking bribes from a federal inmate.

Terrence Clay, 30, of Atlanta admitted to receiving bribes on at least to occasions.

“Corruption by those who administer our prisons and other correctional institutions undermines the safety of everyone in those institutions and the public, as well as the critical role they play in controlling, deterring and rehabilitating criminals,” said United States Attorney David E. Nahmias.

According to information presented in court Clay worked as a resident monitor at Dismas Charities, the organization operates a correctional center commonly referred to as a halfway house. Dismas operates under a contract with the United States Bureau of Prisons, to house federal prisoners who have been allowed to serve all or part of their sentence in the less restrictive environment of a halfway house. Among other liberties, prisoners in the halfway house are typically allowed out of confinement during working hours so that they may seek and maintain employment.

On at least two occasions in late 2007, Clay solicited and received cash bribes from an inmate totaling about $1,000. Clay promised favors in exchange, and also agreed not to report the inmate for curfew and other violations if the inmate would pay the bribes. Clay resigned shortly before he was charged earlier this month.

Clay was charged in Criminal Information in April 2008 with soliciting and receiving bribes. He could receive a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2008, at 2:30p.m., before United States District Judge Richard W. Story.

Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Inspector General’s office of the U.S. Department of Justice are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Justin S. Anand is prosecuting the case.