ELKINS, W.Va. (WV News) — A former corrections officer at FCI Gilmer has pleaded guilty in a case where he's alleged to have taken tens of thousands of dollars in bribes in return for bringing tobacco and other contraband to inmates.

Hector Lopez entered his plea Wednesday to bribery of a public official before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi.

Final acceptance of the plea and plea agreement will be up to Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh.

Lopez stipulated to receiving over $40,000 from inmates, or on behalf of them, between July 2023 and January 2024.

Represented by Morgantown attorney Deanna Pennington, Lopez has agreed to a forfeiture personal money judgment of $40,000. The government also can go after some of his property in lieu of cash, according to the plea agreem

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