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U.S. prison official sentenced to jail for collecting bribe

Last updated: June 6, 2026 1:17 am

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Image used to illustrate the story. [Credit: Mellor Law Firm]

Karen Torres, 50, has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to one year and one day in federal prison for receiving a bribe as a public official.

As part of her sentence, Ms Torres is required to forfeit $43,550 to the United States, which represents the proceeds of her criminal offence. She pleaded guilty on February 4, 2026.

United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, Ms Torres was a public official employed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, as a correctional officer.

She worked at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County.

Between May 2022 and March 3, 2025, Ms Torres introduced contraband (marijuana, cigarettes, and K2) into FCC Coleman in exchange for $43,550 in bribes from inmates.