Executive Summary
Laws and Precedent
Karen Torres, a 50-year-old federal correctional officer from St. Cloud, Florida, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida for allegedly receiving bribes to smuggle contraband into the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman). The indictment, returned on November 13, 2025, charges Torres with one count of receipt of a bribe by a public official.
Indictment Details and Potential Penalties
If convicted, Torres faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The U.S. government is also seeking an order of forfeiture for $43,550, an amount representing the alleged proceeds from the criminal offense.
Alleged Scheme at FCC Coleman
According to the indictment, Torres was employed by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Prisons and worked at FCC Coleman in Sumter County. The alleged bribery scheme took place between May 2022 and March 3, 2025, during which she reportedly accepted monetary payments in exchange for facilitating the smuggling of illicit items into the prison.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
Legal Precedent
An indictment serves as a formal charge that a defendant has committed federal criminal law violations. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Ongoing Anti-Corruption Efforts
The indictment of Torres underscores the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ongoing commitment to combating public corruption within federal correctional facilities and maintaining the integrity of public service.
