Richard Pillajo
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published: Tuesday, July 14, 2009
APCI officer charged with attempting to smuggle drugs into prison
By TREY CHRISTY
trey.christy@newssun.com
SEBRING -- A corrections officer with the Avon Park Correctional Institute was arrested Friday for his alleged involvement in a plan to smuggle drugs into the prison.
Richard Pillajo, 37, allegedly agreed to purchase 112 grams of marijuana, 29 grams of cocaine and 20 hydrocodone pills and smuggle them to an inmate inside the APCI.
Pillajo was reportedly to be paid $2,500 for obtaining, transporting and delivering the drugs.
The purchase of such a large amount of drugs was negotiated by Pillajo with an undercover officer of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, said Capt. Randy Labelle of HCSO investigations.
"Pillajo thought he was picking up the drugs from an inmate's family member to smuggle them into the prison," a press release by the Florida Department of Corrections said.
The undercover operation run by the HCSO reportedly delivered the drugs to Pillajo at 9:15 Friday night at the Circle K, located at the U.S. 98 and U.S. 27 intersection in South Sebring.
"Pillajo accepted the above described drugs and payment," wrote HCSO officer Michael Abell in the arrest report.
An investigation into Pillajo started in June after receiving tips from an informant, said Jo Ellyn Rackleff, spokesperson for the Florida DOC.
"We did the investigation and thought there were criminal charges," she said. "We turned it over to the State Attorney and worked with outside law enforcement to do the sting."
Pillajo was charged with possession of an opium derivative with intent to sell, distribution of marijuana, trafficking in cocaine, smuggling contraband into a prison facility, and possession of narcotic equipment.
He was booked into the Highlands County Jail without incident Friday, and remained there Tuesday afternoon on $50,500 bond.
He had worked as a wellness officer with the APCI since July 28, 2006.
"While I am disgusted by the actions of this officer, I am pleased with the continued work of the Department's Inspector Generals," said DOC Secretary Walt McNeil in the press release. "The Department's Inspectors' along with security staff continue to work diligently to keep drugs, contraband and illegal activity out of our prison system regardless of who is involved."
Pillajo has been terminated from his position at the prison and the Florida DOC press release said they "are working with law enforcement to ensure he is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
The investigation remains open.