Former Inmate of Chesapeake City Jail Pleads Guilty to Bribing Deputy

NORFOLK, Va. – A former inmate of the Chesapeake City Jail pleaded guilty today to conspiring to bribe a Chesapeake Sheriff’s Deputy to smuggle contraband – including cocaine and heroin – into the Chesapeake City Jail.

According to court documents, Jermarrieo Stigger, 34, paid Jenis Leroy Plummer to use his official position as Chesapeake Sheriff’s Deputy to smuggle heroin, cocaine, cell phones, e-cigarettes and other contraband into the Chesapeake City Jail. From July 2017 through December 2018, Stigger knowingly and intentionally conspired with Plummer to engage in this scheme.

On numerous occasions throughout the conspiracy, Stigger arranged for Plummer to meet his girlfriend at various locations in Hampton Roads to pick up the contraband. At these meetings, Stigger’s girlfriend gave Plummer the illicit contraband in blue latex gloves. Plummer then smuggled the contraband into the jail and delivered the items to the inmate. In exchange for using his official position, Stigger’s girlfriend paid Plummer with cash, via CashApp, and via PayPal.

Stigger pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, and he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced on June 18, 2020. Deputy Plummer previously pleaded guilty to the same charge. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Martin Culbreth, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert J. Krask accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. DePadilla and Melissa E. O’Boyle are prosecuting the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:19-cr-183.