A federal correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Lompoc and his wife pleaded guilty Wednesday to conspiring to smuggle contraband, including Suboxone, a controlled substance used to treat opioid addiction, to a federal inmate in exchange for $6,650 in illicit payments.
LOS ANGELES — Paul Betancourt, 38, and Sylvia Betancourt, 49, both of Lompoc, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide contraband to a federal inmate, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
According to plea agreements, Paul Betancourt worked as a correctional officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons at FCC Lompoc. Between May and September 2023, he agreed to deliver contraband to an inmate housed at the prison.
Prosecutors said Sylvia Betancourt collected cash payments and contraband from intermediaries working on behalf of the inmate, then passed the items to her husband for delivery inside the prison.
Court documents state the couple met with or received payments from the inmate or his associates on at least 13 occasions. The contraband included Suboxone, and payments ranged from $100 to $1,500 per delivery.
In total, the inmate paid the couple $6,650 for the smuggling operation.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons has indefinitely suspended Paul Betancourt from his position.
U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang scheduled sentencing for Jan. 27, 2027. Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
Quick Facts
- Defendants: Paul Betancourt, 38, and Sylvia Betancourt, 49
- Charge: Conspiracy to provide contraband to a federal inmate
- Location: Federal Correctional Complex, Lompoc
- Contraband: Suboxone and other prohibited items
- Illegal Payments: $6,650
- Smuggling Incidents: At least 13
- Employment Status: Paul Betancourt indefinitely suspended by the Bureau of Prisons
- Sentencing Date: Jan. 27, 2027
- Maximum Penalty: Five years in federal prison each