Philly prison guards could do time after corruption arrests

Four current and two former Philadelphia prison guards are facing federal charges for allegedly smuggling contraband into the city’s jails. 

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Zane Memeger says the guards allegedly were given from $500 to $1,500 to smuggle drugs and cell phones into the city jails for inmates to use.

“These prison guards are charged with attempted extortion and distribution of controlled substances for conduct that they engaged in between October 2013 and December 2014,” Memeger said.

Officials set up a sting operation after Philadelphia Prisons Commissioner Louis Giorla found contraband.

“After seizing street drugs and cell phones in our facilities we knew we needed assistance,” Giorla said.  “Our reach as far as investigations is limited.”

The guards face up to 80 years in jail if convicted and they get the maximum, although the sentencing guidelines are much less.