Corey Alston Sentenced for Running Racket in MD Prison

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Corey Alston, 29, a/k/a ‘C’, has been handed a six-year federal prison sentence for his role as the ringleader of a contraband-smuggling operation at the Maryland Correctional Institute Jessup (MCIJ). The sentence also includes three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, Alston conspired with facilitators Tyrisha Johnson, Jamia Lawson, Ashley Alston, and Aldon Alston to bring in drugs, unauthorized flash drives, tobacco, and cell phones. Correctional Officer Janel Griffin and another MCIJ employee were also involved, bringing the contraband in exchange for bribe payments.

Alston was recorded arranging for the contraband’s delivery and payment between April 16 and August 14, 2017, totaling at least $2,800 in bribes. Griffin alone met with Johnson or another facilitator six times during this period.

This case is a product of the Maryland Prison Task Force, which has tackled gang problems at several correctional facilities. The Task Force’s efforts have led to over 78 federal convictions, including those of correctional officers involved in similar schemes.

U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron commended the FBI and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for their work in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren E. Perry and Sean R. Delaney are leading the prosecution.

Among others, Correctional Officer Griffin and inmate Schvel Mack were sentenced to 27 months each, while Tavon Price was handed a 46-month sentence.

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