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Former San Quentin Prison Guard Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison for Smuggling Contraband
A former Corrections Officer at San Quentin State Prison has been sentenced to 20 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband into the prison. Keith Christopher, 38, of Pittsburg, California, pleaded guilty to crimes related to the conspiracy on September 16, 2022.
The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Susan Illston, United States Senior District Judge. Christopher admitted in his plea agreement that he accepted payments as bribes in exchange for smuggling at least 25 contraband cell phones into SQP. Cell phones are deemed contraband for prisoners in all parts of the prison as they create safety and security risks for prison employees, other inmates, and the public at large when used by inmates to direct criminal activity outside the prison.
Christopher acknowledged that he delivered cell phones and accessories, such as chargers, to a condemned inmate who then sold many of the phones to other inmates. The California Code of Regulations accordingly prohibits prisoners from possessing cell phones. The prison guard’s plea agreement includes descriptions of two instances in which he arranged to receive bribes in exchange for smuggling cell phones into the prison.
Christopher was employed as a Correctional Officer at SQP and worked in SQP’s East Block, known as Death Row. He admitted that he orchestrated a conspiracy involving an inmate; co-conspirators Isaiah Wells, 32, of Tracy, California; Tanisa Smith-Symes, 46, of Las Vegas, NV; and Dustin Albini, 37, of Pittsburg, CA.
Christopher agreed to surrender on or before May 25, 2023, to begin serving his prison term. In addition to his prison term, Judge Illston ordered Christopher to serve three years of supervised release that will begin after the conclusion of his prison term. The case is being prosecuted by the Special Prosecutions Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The investigation into the conspiracy was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp. United States Attorney Stephanie M. Hinds praised the efforts of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work in bringing Christopher to justice. The prison guard’s crimes were a threat to the safety and security of the prison and the community.
The prison guard’s crimes included conspiracy to commit honest services fraud (bribery), in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343, 1346, and 1349, and accepting bribes, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(B). Christopher will serve 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release after his prison term concludes.
The total amount of bribes paid to Christopher was not specified in the press release. However, it was reported that Christopher received $5,000 and $7,500 in exchange for smuggling cell phones into the prison in two separate incidents.
This case is a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the prison system and the need for prison guards to uphold their duties and responsibilities.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to hold accountable those who compromise the safety and security of our prisons and communities.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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