Anqunett Vernetta Lewis, Bribery, Texas 2016

Guilty Plea: Bribery in Texas Federal Prison

Anqunett Vernetta Lewis, a 34-year-old federal prison guard from Houston, pleaded guilty to bribery in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.

Lewis, who worked at the Federal Correctional Institution – Beaumont, admitted to smuggling watches with cellular capabilities into the prison between February 2015 and November 2016. Inmates in the Federal Bureau of Prisons are prohibited from possessing phones, watches, or other devices with cellular capabilities.

During her time at FCI – Beaumont, Lewis carried out her duties as a corrections officer, overseeing inmates, delivering food and other items, and ensuring compliance with Bureau of Prisons and FCI – Beaumont rules, policies, and regulations.

According to court information, Lewis was paid by inmates to smuggle in the watches, receiving payments via wire transfer. She smuggled in numerous watches during her time at the prison.

Under federal statutes, Lewis faces up to 5 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

The case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice.

Lewis’s guilty plea marks a significant blow to public trust in the federal prison system. The Bureau of Prisons has implemented strict policies to prevent corruption and ensure the safety of both inmates and corrections officers.

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