Scott Bass, 43, pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court on St. Croix to providing contraband in prison, acting U.S. Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on May 18, 2016, Bass went to the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility to deliver items to detainee Robert James. Bass brought two small containers of Africa’s Best Super Gro Hair and Scalp Conditioner. A corrections officer told Bass the detainee could only have one container of hair conditioner, so Bass delivered one container and left with the second one.
After Bass departed, a corrections officer searched the container and found marijuana, hashish and tobacco in a secret compartment. Bass was directed to return to the facility and was detained. Corrections officers recovered the second container and it contained marijuana and bamboo wrapping paper.
Bass faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. A sentencing date has been set for Aug. 2.
This case was investigated by the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
