Philadelphia Man Admits Delivering Contraband to Inmates at FCI Danbury

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in New Haven, today announced that DANA ERWIN TAYLOR, Jr., 24, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to two counts of providing or attempting to provide contraband to an inmate of a federal prison.

According to court documents and statements made in court, on two occasions in 2015, TAYLOR traveled to the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury (FCI Danbury) for the purpose of introducing prohibited contraband into the facility for use by one or more inmates. 

During the early morning hours of January 3, 2015, TAYLOR threw several bundles of contraband containing approximately 12 cell phones, along with batteries and chargers, over the perimeter fence of the FCI Danbury compound.  The bundles were wrapped in green camouflage fabric and clear tape to provide protection from the elements.

During the early morning hours of August 25, 2015, TAYLOR was stopped on the FCI Danbury grounds, next to the fence, in possession of a backpack containing illegal and prohibited contraband, including 15 cell phones, along with batteries and chargers, eight bundles of synthetic marijuana, tobacco and other items.  The items, which were in bundles wrapped in green fabric and clear tape, were intended for one or more inmates in the FCI Danbury. 

Judge Shea scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2016, at which time TAYLOR faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a fine of up to $200,000.

This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia King.