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| Three officers charged in extortion |
| By Philadelphia Inquirer |
| Published: 03/01/2004 |
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In a case alleging corruption in the Philadelphia prison system, three current or former corrections officers were indicted two weeks ago on charges that they got cash from inmates in return for smuggling cell phones, cigarettes and marijuana behind bars. The federal indictment said the scheme enabled inmates to enjoy unmonitored phone calls and smoke cigarettes, which are banned in city prisons, or sell them at a substantial profit to other prisoners. Acting Prison Commissioner Leon A. King II said the case highlighted the very serious problem of contraband in the prisons. "It's a tough thing, and it's more serious than people realize," said King, who added that prison altercations commonly occur over illegal materials smuggled into prison. He said that cell phones can be used to intimidate or threaten witnesses. Mark W. Thompson, 44, charged with four counts of extortion, was accused of receiving $200 per week from January 2001 until October 2002 and from November 2002 until January 2003, plus $500 on two occasions in November and December 2002. Thompson, hired in 1982, was suspended, King said. Gerald Watson, 28, charged with two counts of extortion, was accused of receiving $400 in February 2002, and $100 per week from December 2001 until March 2002. He was dismissed last March, prison spokesman Bob Eskind said. Barry Johnson, 38, charged with two counts of extortion, was accused of receiving two payments of $500 - one in April 2002 and another in May 2002. He resigned last September, Eskind said. |
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