Two former federal correctional officers have been sentenced to 30 months in prison for accepting bribes to smuggle contraband into the Forrest City Federal Correctional Complex. The cases, involving separate incidents, were announced by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas Jonathan D. Ross.
Robert Cochran, 37, of Forrest City, was indicted in December 2023 on one count of bribery of a public official. According to investigators, Cochran received $58,775 from inmates’ friends and family members to smuggle items such as rolling papers, tobacco, Gucci sunglasses, and over-the-counter medications into the facility.
Cochran’s activities were captured on video in February 2023 as he left bags of contraband in an office while on duty. After he exited, inmates retrieved the items. Cochran later admitted to being paid for bringing these goods into the prison and pleaded guilty to the bribery charge on March 11, 2026.
In a separate case, Tejuana Dillard, 42, of Wynne, was indicted in June 2024 on charges of bribery of a public official and making false statements to federal agents. Dillard, who worked as a correctional officer from 2008 to 2021, was found to have smuggled contraband cigarettes into the prison during 2020. Investigators determined she received $91,788 for providing the cigarettes to at least two inmates, who sold them to others.
During an interview with federal agents, Dillard admitted to smuggling cigarettes while employed but downplayed the frequency of her actions, calling them a “couple of times.” Agents later determined her remarks were false. On March 11, 2026, Dillard pleaded guilty to making a false statement.
Both sentences include 30 months behind bars. Federal sentencing guidelines stipulate that parole is not available in the federal system.
Officials emphasized the seriousness of public servants undermining the integrity of the justice system through such actions.