11-02-2025
Former prison officer sentenced for smuggling methamphetamine into GA state prison
A former prison officer has been sentenced for smuggling methamphetamine inside a Georgia state prison.
Nicholas Grindle, 32, was sentenced for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and bribery.
Grindle was challenged during his sentencing for asking the Court for mercy based on false claims that he had been injured in combat during his military service.
'Grindle violated his oath of office by smuggling drugs into a prison he swore to protect,' said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. 'He then compounded this crime by lying about his military service.'
According to information presented in court, Grindle smuggled meth into Hays State Prison for over a month in late 2023 and early 2024.
Grindle was caught by fellow officers after they searched his locker and located methamphetamine, cell phones, and other contraband he planned to sell in the prison.
A review of his financial records also showed he was receiving bribery payments from inmates to bring drugs and other items into the prison.
He was sentenced to 87 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
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