Former Corrections Officer Admits Dealing Drugs To Inmates

Doglips · 01-29-2004, 04:49 PM

Im glad the guy admited to doing this...faceing up to facts...good for him....But read the artical...After his arrest he WENT BACK TO WORK at the Jail....yep no problem...also not at the end of the artical that several others are on paid leave for doing this....Man Orlando is starting to have as many problems as my local PD (who is always being investigated by the FBI...we even lost a police cheif who was charged with racateering

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Former Corrections Officer Admits Dealing Drugs To Inmates

POSTED: 4:27 PM EST January 29, 2004

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A former Orange County corrections officer admitted in federal court Thursday that he dealt drugs to jail inmates.

Ricky Brandenberger told a federal judge Thursday morning that he was pleading guilty because he is guilty, and said he was very sorry for what happened, especially to his family. That includes his wife, an Orange County Sheriff's sergeant.

Back in November, when Brandenberger was arrested, it was tough to imagine this day. Initially, he denied all of it and had planned to defend himself against the charges.

The Feds say the caught Brandenberger on tape buying 50 ecstasy pills and an ounce of marijuana. They say he talked of his plan to deliver it to an inmate for a few hundred bucks.

"The government had strong evidence and Mr. Brandenberger has always been extremely remorseful," says defense attorney Michael LaFay.

Brandenberger was caught back in July, but went back to work since the investigation wasn't over. The Feds say he tipped off other officers, also involved in dealing, and may have effected the investigation.

But as part of the plea deal, he won't be charged with obstruction of justice.

"He really wants to put this behind him and get on with his life if he can," says LaFay.

We don't know yet how long Brandenberger is going to prison. It will be less than 20 years, the maximum sentence. Also, he'll lose out on most of his retirement benefits, although he will get the money he contributed to the state retirement fund.

Two other corrections officers were arrested in connection with this drug ring. Five other officers were put on paid leave at the same time. We don't know, yet, if they're tied to the ring.
Copyright 2004 by wftv.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

01-29-2004, 04:49 PM	#1
Doglips Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Cocoa Florida Posts: 9,082	Former Corrections Officer Admits Dealing Drugs To Inmates Im glad the guy admited to doing this...faceing up to facts...good for him....But read the artical...After his arrest he WENT BACK TO WORK at the Jail....yep no problem...also not at the end of the artical that several others are on paid leave for doing this....Man Orlando is starting to have as many problems as my local PD (who is always being investigated by the FBI...we even lost a police cheif who was charged with racateering ) Former Corrections Officer Admits Dealing Drugs To Inmates POSTED: 4:27 PM EST January 29, 2004 ORLANDO, Fla. -- A former Orange County corrections officer admitted in federal court Thursday that he dealt drugs to jail inmates. Ricky Brandenberger told a federal judge Thursday morning that he was pleading guilty because he is guilty, and said he was very sorry for what happened, especially to his family. That includes his wife, an Orange County Sheriff's sergeant. Back in November, when Brandenberger was arrested, it was tough to imagine this day. Initially, he denied all of it and had planned to defend himself against the charges. The Feds say the caught Brandenberger on tape buying 50 ecstasy pills and an ounce of marijuana. They say he talked of his plan to deliver it to an inmate for a few hundred bucks. "The government had strong evidence and Mr. Brandenberger has always been extremely remorseful," says defense attorney Michael LaFay. Brandenberger was caught back in July, but went back to work since the investigation wasn't over. The Feds say he tipped off other officers, also involved in dealing, and may have effected the investigation. But as part of the plea deal, he won't be charged with obstruction of justice. "He really wants to put this behind him and get on with his life if he can," says LaFay. We don't know yet how long Brandenberger is going to prison. It will be less than 20 years, the maximum sentence. Also, he'll lose out on most of his retirement benefits, although he will get the money he contributed to the state retirement fund. Two other corrections officers were arrested in connection with this drug ring. Five other officers were put on paid leave at the same time. We don't know, yet, if they're tied to the ring. Copyright 2004 by wftv.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.