Marcel Scotland, a former Golden Grove corrections officer, pleaded guilty Friday in District Court on St. Croix to providing prison contraband, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent-in-Charge Vito S. Guarino have announced.
According to a plea agreement filed with the court, on Jan. 31, 2014, Scotland arrived for work at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility. He was asked to present his bag for a search by a Board of Corrections (BOC) official. When the official took possession of Scotland’s bag, Scotland fled.
A search of the bag revealed multiple cigarette lighters, rolling papers, cookies, multiple dime baggies, and a bag of marijuana. The BOC official called the Virgin Islands Police Department, which notified the DEA. Scotland subsequently surrendered and told the DEA he brought the items for an inmate, but was unaware drugs were present.
“It is a violation of federal and local law to introduce, or attempt to introduce, contraband into a prison or detention facility,” U.S. Attorney Sharpe said.
If convicted, Scotland faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
A sentencing date has been set for May 20.
The case was investigated by the DEA and VIPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews.
Image Credit: DEA/Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility on St. Croix
Tags: scotland
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