ELKINS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A former corrections officer at the Federal Corrections Institution (FCI) Gilmer has admitted to accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the prison.

Hector Lopez, 41, of Weston, West Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court to bribery of a public official.

According to court documents, Lopez received approximately $40,000 from inmates or their associates in return for bringing unauthorized items into the facility.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. His final sentence will be determined by a federal district court judge after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar and was investigate

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