LOS ANGELES, CA — A federal prison guard pleaded guilty Thursday to smuggling drugs, alcohol and phones for inmates at the downtown Los Angeles lockup in exchange for cash bribes and an SUV, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
The charges stem from a June 1 incident in which the guard, Samuel Morales, and his colleagues were subjected to “enhanced screening” when they arrived to work at the Metropolitan Detention Center, according to court documents obtained by Patch.
During the screening, authorities found Morales in possession of a vial containing over 4 grams of cocaine, according to court documents.
“Morales was placed under arrest and, during transfer to another facility, Morales admitted to additional contraband in his underwear, namely a bag of white rock-like chemicals, a bag of green pills, and (eight) cellular phone SIM cards,” Andrew Howard of the DOJ’s Office of Inspector General wrote in court documents.
Further investigation revealed that since at least November 2024, Morales had been smuggling contraband into the prison and providing it to inmates. In exchange, he was provided with cash and, in February, a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, according to court documents.
Morales as part of a plea agreement pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of receiving a bribe by a public official and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, according to the DOJ.
He’s due back in court Dec. 4 for sentencing, where he faces a possible prison sentence of up to 35 years, lifetime supervised release and a fine of $1.2 million, according to the DOJ.