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ToggleBy James Seidel | CC News Network
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — A former South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) captain has pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud conspiracy for her role in a multi-year bribery scheme that funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars into her personal accounts in exchange for smuggling contraband into a state prison.
Christine Mary Livingston, 47, of Gaston, used her rank and position as a captain at Broad River Correctional Institute (BRCI) to accept bribes from inmates and their family members between 2018 and 2021, according to evidence presented in court.
The investigation revealed that Livingston operated at least 14 peer-to-peer payment accounts on platforms like Cash App, using false names linked to her legitimate bank accounts. In total, one of her Cash App accounts received at least $279,000 in bribes, with more than $225,000 transferred to her personal accounts. Federal prosecutors say she used the funds for personal enrichment, including shopping, ATM withdrawals, and cryptocurrency purchases.
As part of the scheme, Livingston purchased at least 173 cell phones from Amazon, along with 130 SIM cards, phone accessories, headphones, screen protectors, and chargers—all smuggled into BRCI to keep inmates connected to the outside world.
The bribery scheme was corroborated by at least eight witnesses, including prisoners’ family members, as well as records from Facebook and contraband cell phones seized by SCDC investigators.
Federal prosecutors say Livingston violated both state law and SCDC policies that prohibit correctional officers from accepting bribes or engaging in activities that undermine prison security.
“Livingston used her position and rank for personal, criminal gain, which endangered other staff members and those housed at Broad River Correctional Institute,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to work with SCDC to prosecute those who commit crimes within prison walls.”
SCDC Director Bryan Stirling also condemned the impact of contraband smuggling in correctional facilities.
“This is one more example of how illegal cell phones ruin lives, including those of correctional officers who get involved in the contraband trade,” Stirling said. “We appreciate the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for investigating and prosecuting this case, and holding these criminals accountable for their actions.”
South Carolina has recently enacted a law addressing the issue of contraband cell phones in state prisons. In October 2024, Governor Henry McMaster signed the Captain Robert Johnson Act into law, making it a criminal offense for inmates to possess telecommunications devices without authorization from the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) director.
One of Livingston’s primary co-conspirators, Jerell Reaves, an inmate who paid her over $42,000 in bribes, was recently sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sherri A. Lydon. His sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release.
Livingston now faces up to 20 years in federal prison, with the government recommending a sentence of up to 8 years as part of her plea agreement. She will also be subject to court-ordered supervision, $250,000 in monetary penalties, and forfeiture of assets totaling the full value of the bribes.
Her sentencing is scheduled for June 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in federal court before Judge Lydon.
The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the SCDC Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Michael Shedd are prosecuting the case.
CC News Network will continue to follow this case and provide updates as Livingston’s sentencing approaches.
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