On Thursday, July 25, 2024, Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Southeast Regional Director Shannon Phelps spoke at a press conference held by the United States (U.S.) Attorney’s Office Middle District of Florida. During the press conference highlighting the federal prosecution of cases originating from the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman), U. S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the results of a multi-year cooperative effort by federal law enforcement. The investigation, launched by the Department of Justice to uncover potential criminal activities at the largest federal prison complex in the nation, included the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Since 2021, crimes including first/second degree murder; assault with the intent to commit murder; forcible assault on corrections employee; possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute; sexual assault of an adult in custody by employee; possession of contraband; receipt of a bribe by a public official; and deprivation of civil rights under the color of lawn have been charged and/or prosecuted.
The cooperative efforts by federal law enforcement included a March 2024 operation at FCC Coleman that resulted in the recovery of contraband such as cellphones, homemade weapons, and controlled substances. At least two adults in custody and a visitor to the facility have been charged as a result of that operation. At the press conference, U. S. Attorney Handberg said, “Federal prisons need to be safe and secure spaces for everybody…The focus of this team effort was on locating any contraband within certain areas of FCC Coleman.”
Southeast Regional Director (RD) Shannon Phelps said FBOP employees put in the hard work that made the charges from the March 24 operation possible. “Over 70 Bureau of Prisons employees were deployed to FCC Coleman for this operation. These employees worked long hours away from home in a productive and efficient manner.” Prosecutors indicated that further indictments could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Additionally, RD Phelps said, “I want to thank U.S. Attorney Handberg for his office’s willingness to prosecute cases of misconduct. Their support is a very real deterrent and imperative in effectively managing our facilities.” The FBOP works diligently to root out misconduct. The vast majority of employees are hard-working, ethical, and diligent professionals, who want those engaging in misconduct to be held accountable.
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