Bribery Kingpin Sentenced to 78 Months Behind Bars

Bribery Kingpin Sentenced to 78 Months Behind Bars

A California inmate has been sentenced to 78 months behind bars for bribing a corrections officer to smuggle contraband into prison, including a bejeweled "grill" for his mouth, and for his role in a COVID-fraud scheme that stole $695,000 in unemployment benefits intended for Californians.

On April 24, 2024, Shawn Brown, 28, an inmate at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in prison for bribing corrections officer Benito Jamar Hugie, 49, to smuggle the dental jewelry and other contraband into the facility.

The bribes, which totaled more than $30,000, were paid for a custom-made gold-and-diamond grill that Brown ordered from a jeweler in Houston, Texas. Hugie, who is currently out on bond, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for his role in the scheme and was ordered to surrender by 12 p.m. on May 6, 2024.

The COVID-fraud scheme, which was discovered during the investigation into the bribery scheme, saw Brown and his co-conspirators file an estimated $1.4 million in fraudulent claims with the California Employment Development Department, resulting in actual cash payouts of more than $695,000 to Brown and his co-conspirators.

Brown was originally serving time at the state prison for first degree murder in violation of California Penal Code Section 187(a). At today’s hearing, U.S. District Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo ordered that today’s two federal sentences be served consecutively to each other and to the original underlying state sentence.

“Diamonds are not always your friend,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “These schemes have cost Brown years of his life and Hugie his career and good name. Maybe regular teeth would have been a better option.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Orlando Gutierrez and was investigated by the FBI and its law enforcement partners.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to root out corruption and ensure the integrity of our criminal justice systems.

DEFENDANTS

         Case Number 22CR1238

Shawn Brown             Age: 28           California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate

Benito Jamar Hugie    Age: 49           San Diego, CA

DEFENDANT

           Case Number 22CR1239                             

Shawn Brown             Age: 28           California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Corruption Activities Stemming from the Gri