CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Eight individuals have been federally indicted following an 18-month investigation into a contraband smuggling operation at the Citrus County Jail, authorities announced.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, working with the U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, uncovered a scheme involving the introduction of prohibited items into the jail, a CoreCivic-operated facility housing federal inmates.
The investigation began after a federal inmate was found in possession of a contraband cellphone. Officials said further investigation revealed a larger operation involving jail employees and associates of inmates who allegedly smuggled in items including cellphones, narcotics, cigarettes, and other prohibited materials.
Authorities used a range of investigative techniques, including monitored communications and controlled deliveries, to identify those involved and disrupt the operation.
The following individuals were indicted:
- Justin Harvey, 50, Inverness — Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official; Introduction of Contraband into a Prison
- Dekarri Nixon, 28, Jasper — Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official
- Courtney Smith, 35, Brooksville — Conspiracy to Bribe a Public Official; Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official; Introduction of Contraband into a Prison
- Joshua Gallimore, 31, Dade City — Conspiracy to Bribe a Public Official
- Nicole Knecht, 43, Beverly Hills — Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Bribe a Public Official; Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official
- Ashley Fraccalvieri, 41, Spring Hill — Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Bribe a Public Official; Bribery of Public Officials
- April Vanzant, 58, Lady Lake — Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Bribe a Public Official; Bribery of Public Officials
- Ernest Grimaldi, 40, Lecanto — Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Conspiracy to Bribe a Public Official
Sheriff David Vincent said the case highlights efforts to hold individuals accountable for corruption within the correctional system.
“For those that choose greed and criminality over doing what is right while wearing a uniform, I am coming for you in Citrus County,” Vincent said. “My priority as your Sheriff is the safety of all citizens whether they are incarcerated or not.”
Officials said the investigation remains active and ongoing.