Grimy Times has learned that a former Alabama Corrections Officer has been sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for smuggling multiple drugs into a state correctional facility.
Montgomery, AL – Johntarance Henriquis McCray, 23, of Hope Hull, Alabama, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for smuggling multiple drugs into Draper Correctional Facility in Elmore County. McCray was a prison guard at the facility at the time of the offense.
The case against McCray began in October 2015, when his superiors received information that he was smuggling drugs into the prison. On October 15, 2015, McCray was searched and found to be in possession of two large bundles hidden in his underwear containing six different controlled substances: crack cocaine, powder cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, Xanax, and Suboxone. A search of his vehicle uncovered a duffle bag containing additional drugs, a loaded 9 mm handgun, and over $400 in cash.
McCray had been working for the Alabama Department of Corrections for approximately nine months before committing the crime.
“Correctional officers are there to maintain order and ensure prisoner safety,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney A. Clark Morris. “Corrupt guards who sneak drugs into prison are not only putting the safety of inmates at risk, they are also jeopardizing the safety of their fellow officers. The U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes that most correctional officers serve with honor and integrity. However, my office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute those that abuse their position.”
McCray will also be subject to three years of supervised release after serving his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Alabama Department of Corrections Investigations and Intelligence Division investigated the case, with assistance from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bradley Bodiford.
McCray’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of holding law enforcement to a higher standard. “Law enforcement has to be held to a higher standard,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Lasky. “Our partners are working hard to stop this kind of behavior and the FBI will use every resource available to assist in this struggle.”
“The Alabama Department of Corrections is served by committed and dedicated law enforcement professionals who put their lives on the line each and every day while keeping the public safe, and it’s unfortunate that a small percentage choose to compromise their integrity for personal gain,” said Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn. “Our partnership with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies is important to public safety, and we appreciate the assistance we received throughout the investigation.”
Related Federal Cases
- James Matthew Oxley, Multi-Million Dollar Cocaine Smuggling, M.D. F… · Florida
- Santos Gavarrete-Nataren, Gun Smuggling, New Orleans LA, 2023 · Georgia
- Robert L. Crites, Defrauded TRICARE, Batesville MS, 2023 · Rhode Island
- Bruce Choi, COVID-19 Relief Fraud, Los Angeles CA, 2023 · Pennsylvania
- Christopher Guilford, Tax Refund Scheme, Sacramento CA, 2025 · Virginia
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
