Danbury Man Who Smuggled Phones Into Prison Pleads Guilty

DANBURY, CT — A man charged with smuggling phones into the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury pleaded guilty today to one count of providing contraband in prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Eric Williams, 38, of Danbury, worked in the Food Service Department at FCI Danbury. On July 9, 2017, Williams attempted to smuggle four mobile phones and an electric beard trimmer into the prison by hiding the items in his hat as he entered the facility through the staff entrance. When a corrections officer arrived at the staff entrance to screen Williams for admission into the prison, Williams abandoned the attempt and left his hat containing the contraband in the entrance area. When a supervisory officer found the hat and asked Williams if it belonged to him, Williams denied that it was his hat.

Williams was arrested on July 20, 2018 and is released on a $50,000 bond.

At sentencing, Williams faces a maximum term of imprisonment of six months and a fine of up to $5,000. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

This matter is being investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with cooperation from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.