Former Citrus County Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Accepting a Bribe

Tampa, Florida – Dekarri Nixon (28, Jasper) has pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe as a public official. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The government is also seeking forfeiture from Nixon of $4,000, the proceeds that Nixon obtained by accepting a bribe. A sentencing hearing has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Nixon worked as a correctional officer at the Citrus County Detention Facility (CCDF), a facility where federal detainees are held as they await trial and sentencing. In his role, Nixon was responsible for supervising federal inmates on behalf of the United States. While working at CCDF, Nixon agreed to receive $4,000 in exchange for bringing a cellphone into the facility. Smuggling contraband, including cellphones, was a violation of Nixon’s official duty. The introduction of contraband, such as cellphones, into secure detention facilities presents a security risk to those both inside and outside the facility.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.