A Richmond County Sheriff deputy jailer whose short career with the department ended when it was discovered he took money to smuggle in items for an inmate was sentenced to four years in prison Thursday, July 7.
Juan H. Scott, 23, pleaded guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to violation of oath by a public officer and crossing the guard line with contraband. District Attorney Jared Williams said he agreed to recommend a prison term of no more than five years in exchange for Scott’s plea.
Scott received an estimated $1,100 between Sept. 14 and Nov. 24, 2020, to smuggle in a cell, cigarettes and marijuana for an inmate, Williams said.
MORE: Five charged in bloody jailhouse brawl
Scott served two years in the Marines before following his girlfriend to Augusta where he continued to serve in the Reserves, defense attorney Jeffrey Johnston said Thursday. Scott knows he made a terrible decision, one that violated his oath to serve and protect others that he took not only as a sheriff’s officer but as a member of the military, Johnston said. He asked the judge to consider a lengthy probation term instead of time in prison.
Judge John Flythe sentenced Scott to four years in prison followed by six years on probation. He imposed the sentence under the First Offender Act.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
