A former corrections officer at FCI Talladega has been indicted for bribery and two counts of illegally bringing tobacco products into the prison, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.

Frank Dean, 49, was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday.

“Count one charges that between March and September 2009, Dean engaged in a bribery scheme at the Talladega federal prison by corruptly demanding and accepting money from inmates in exchange for tobacco products he illegally brought into the prison,” according to the press release. “Counts two and three charge that in June 2009 and on Sept. 4, 2009, Dean illegally brought tobacco products into the federal correctional Institution.”

The bribery charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Introduction of contraband is a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by six months in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

“Prison officials who commit bribery and introduce contraband into the prison corrupt the integrity of our country’s penal system,” U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance White said. “We pursue charges in these cases.”

Teresa Gulotta-Powers, special agent in charge for the Office of Inspector General, headed the investigation. Assistant U.S. States Attorney Frank M. Salter will be prosecuting the case.