In an impactful conclusion to a high-profile case, the final defendant in a racketeering conspiracy to smuggle contraband into the Chesapeake Detention Facility has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison. Bernard Bay, a leader in the conspiracy, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, following the guilty pleas and convictions of other correctional officers, detainees, and outside facilitators involved in the operation. The conspiracy involved bribing correctional officers to smuggle narcotics, tobacco, and cell phones into the prison. This outcome marks the culmination of a thorough investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
Summary
Bernard Bay, a federal pretrial detainee at the Chesapeake Detention Facility (CDF) in Baltimore, Maryland, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for his involvement in a racketeering conspiracy. The conspiracy involved smuggling contraband, including narcotics, tobacco, and cell phones, into the prison. Bay, who was a leader in the conspiracy, is the final defendant to be sentenced. The sentencing was announced by the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Baltimore Field Office, and the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
Background
The Chesapeake Detention Facility (CDF) is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) under a contract with the United States Marshals Service (USMS). It houses federal pretrial detainees. The smuggling of contraband, such as narcotics, cell phones, and tobacco, into the facility has become a significant issue.
Details of the Case
Defendant’s Identity
The defendant in this case is Bernard Bay, a 53-year-old resident of Baltimore.
Sentence Length
Bernard Bay has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for his involvement in the racketeering conspiracy.
Supervised Release
After serving his prison sentence, Bernard Bay will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Prior Sentence
At the time of his sentencing for the racketeering conspiracy, Bernard Bay was already serving a 10-year sentence for possession of a stolen firearm. His federal sentence for the conspiracy will be served consecutively to his current sentence.
Defendant as a Leader
Bernard Bay played a leadership role in the racketeering conspiracy to smuggle contraband into the Chesapeake Detention Facility. He conspired with other detainees, employees, and associates of the facility to smuggle contraband in exchange for bribe payments.
Final Defendant
Bernard Bay is the final defendant in the conspiracy to be sentenced. Three former correctional officers, three other detainees, and two outside “facilitators” have either pleaded guilty or been convicted for their roles in the conspiracy.
Co-Defendants’ Sentences
Bay’s co-defendants in the conspiracy have been sentenced to between 18 and 51 months in federal prison.
Announcement of Sentence
The sentencing of Bernard Bay was announced by the United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Baltimore Field Office, and the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
Parties Involved
United States Attorney for the District of Maryland
The United States Attorney for the District of Maryland, Erek L. Barron, is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district.
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Baltimore Field Office
The Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, Thomas J. Sobocinski, oversees the FBI’s investigative activities in the Baltimore area.
Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Carolyn J. Scruggs, is responsible for overseeing the state’s correctional facilities, including the Chesapeake Detention Facility.
Contraband Smuggling Conspiracy
Location of the Conspiracy
The smuggling conspiracy took place at the Chesapeake Detention Facility (CDF) in Baltimore, Maryland. The facility is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services under a contract with the United States Marshals Service.
Operating Entity of the Facility
The Chesapeake Detention Facility (CDF) is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
Period of Conspiracy
The smuggling conspiracy took place from at least 2018 through June 2020.
Contraband Smuggled
The contraband smuggled into the Chesapeake Detention Facility included narcotics, cell phones, and tobacco.
Bribe Payments
Bribe payments were made to correctional officers to facilitate the smuggling of contraband into the facility.
Relationship with CO Talaia Youngblood
Bernard Bay had a romantic relationship with Correctional Officer Talaia Youngblood. She met with outside facilitators at Bay’s direction to receive contraband and bribe payments.
Involvement of Outside Facilitators
Outside facilitators were involved in smuggling contraband into the Chesapeake Detention Facility. They coordinated with Bay and Correctional Officer Talaia Youngblood to deliver contraband and bribe payments.
Specific Smuggling Instructions
Bernard Bay sent specific instructions to Correctional Officer Talaia Youngblood regarding the smuggling of contraband. He instructed her on what items to smuggle and how to receive bribe payments.
Plea Agreement
Duration and Participants
The plea agreement in this case lasted from at least 2018 through June 2020. The participants in the conspiracy included Bernard Bay, other detainees, employees, and associates of the Chesapeake Detention Facility.
Types of Contraband Smuggled
The plea agreement implicated the smuggling of narcotics, cell phones, and tobacco into the Chesapeake Detention Facility.
Role of CO Talaia Youngblood
Correctional Officer Talaia Youngblood played a significant role in the smuggling conspiracy. She met with outside facilitators at the direction of Bernard Bay to receive contraband and bribe payments.
Instructions to Outside Facilitators
Bernard Bay provided instructions to outside facilitators on delivering contraband and bribe payments to Correctional Officer Talaia Youngblood.
Bribe Payments to COs
Bribe payments were made to correctional officers involved in the conspiracy to facilitate the smuggling of contraband into the facility.
Smuggling by Andre Davis
Bernard Bay paid a bribe to Correctional Officer Andre Davis, who then smuggled a smart watch and a package containing tobacco into the Chesapeake Detention Facility.
Prosecution and Investigation
Commendation of FBI and DPSCS
The FBI and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) were commended for their work in the investigation of the smuggling conspiracy.
Prosecutors of the Case
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter J. Martinez and Robert I. Goldaris prosecuted the case against Bernard Bay and his co-defendants.
Additional Information and Resources
Website of Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to the community, visit their website at www.justice.gov/usao-md.
Community Outreach
The Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office engages in community outreach efforts to provide support and resources to the community.
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Contact Information
Contact Person
For more information or inquiries, contact Marcia Lubin.
Phone Number
You can reach Marcia Lubin at (410) 209-4854.
Updated Date
This article was last updated on July 19, 2023.