For Immediate Release
September 21, 2018

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. – Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement yesterday arrested Jeremiah Payne, 29, on charges of bribery, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana under 20 grams and attempted introduction of contraband into a correctional facility. Payne was a correctional officer with Okeechobee Correctional Institution.

FDLE agents began investigating Payne last month at the request of the Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General. The investigation shows that Payne had used his position as a correctional officer to receive bribes for introducing contraband into the Okeechobee Correctional Institution over the course of roughly a year.

In addition to receiving cash bribes, Payne had also been receiving synthetic marijuana for alleged personal use as payment for illegally bringing contraband into the correctional facility.

The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office assisted FDLE in the investigation.

Payne was arrested and transported to the Okeechobee County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 19th Judicial Circuit.

For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Jessica Cary, or Jeremy Burns
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001