Jason Noel Squires, Bribery, West Virginia 2013

Florida Residents Convicted of Bribery Charges in West Virginia

In a shocking turn of events, two Florida residents have been convicted of bribery charges in a West Virginia court.

According to reports, Jason Noel Squires, age 28, and Nikole Monique Watkins, age 24, entered pleas of guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bribery of a Public Official and Bribery of a Public Official on July 30, 2013, before Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull.

It is alleged that between January 1, 2012, and August 14, 2012, Squires, a correctional officer at FCI Gilmer, smuggled tobacco into the prison on multiple occasions. Squires provided the tobacco to inmates in exchange for money, which was sent to Watkins via Western Union and Postal money grams.

The scheme, which netted the duo approximately $40,000, has left many questioning the integrity of the correctional system.

Squires and Watkins, who are currently free on bond pending sentencing, face up to 20 years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon S. Flower and investigated by the United States Office of Inspector General, with assistance from the Special Investigative Services Unit at FCI Gilmer.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/two-florida-residents-convicted-bribery-charges