June 16, 2015

Parole Officer Enters Guilty Plea for Accepting Money from a Parolee Under Her Supervision

DALLAS, TX—Breanna Polk, 32, of Dallas, Texas, charged with one count of wire fraud plead guilty June 16, 2015, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Ramirez, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John R. Parker of the Northern District of Texas.

She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine and not more than three years of supervised release. A sentencing date of October 1, 2015 has been scheduled.

According to plea documents filed in the case, on August 2, 2007 a parolee with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) reported to his parole officer, Polk at the Garland, Texas parole office. Polk advised the individual she planned to take a trip to Florida to celebrate her birthday. The parolee left approximately $500 on Polk’s desk. On at least two other occasions between August 2007 and March 2010, the same individual paid over $500 to receive favorable treatment from Polk concerning the conditions of his parole.

In or around March 2010, the parolee absconded to Mexico to avoid DEA law enforcement in connection with his illegal drug distribution. The parolee paid Polk $2,000 to assist him in avoiding law enforcement by indicating he reported to parole, when he had not. Additionally Polk agreed to check for any arrest warrants and notify the parolee if he had an active arrest warrant. On June 8, 2010 Polk conducted a search on a National Crime Information Center database to determine if the parole had an active arrest warrant, Polk transmitted the search by means of a wire communication.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Texas Department of Criminal Justice—Office of the Inspector General were involved in the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Pfeifle is prosecuting the case.