Former Beaumont correctional officer sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after drugs discovered during prison security search
Beaumont, Texas – A correctional officer from Beaumont will spend the next decade behind bars after admitting to trafficking illegal drugs while working inside a federal correctional facility.
Federal officials announced that 22-year-old Martel Devante Gilliam of Beaumont has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a drug trafficking offense. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs and was handed down on March 11, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
Gilliam pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a serious federal offense tied to a larger investigation into illegal drugs entering the prison system.
Drug Trafficking Discovered at Federal Prison
According to information presented in court, the investigation began in March 2024 when authorities identified Gilliam as a suspected source of illegal drugs at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont, where he was employed as a correctional officer. Investigators began closely examining Gilliam’s activities after receiving information that drugs were being brought into the facility.
The case reached a turning point on March 8, 2024, when Gilliam arrived at work. During routine security activity at the prison, a trained canine conducted an open-air sniff of vehicles near the facility. The canine alerted officers to the possible presence of narcotics coming from Gilliam’s vehicle. Authorities then conducted a search of the vehicle, which quickly uncovered a significant amount of illegal drugs and other items. Inside the vehicle, investigators found approximately 125 grams of methamphetamine, along with 28 grams of cocaine.
The search also revealed 459 grams of synthetic marijuana, as well as vacuum-sealed packages of tobacco and marijuana, items that can be highly valuable within correctional facilities where such substances are prohibited. In addition to the drugs, authorities discovered $5,700 in cash and a pistol inside the vehicle. The discovery of the drugs and other items confirmed investigators’ suspicions that Gilliam was involved in trafficking illegal substances while employed at the federal prison.
Federal prosecutors later charged Gilliam with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He eventually pleaded guilty to the charge, acknowledging his role in the offense. As part of the sentence imposed by the federal court, Gilliam will serve 120 months in federal prison, equivalent to 10 years. Federal officials note that there is no parole in the federal system, meaning Gilliam must serve the sentence imposed by the court.
Authorities said the case was part of a broader nationwide effort known as Operation Take Back America, an initiative designed to combat criminal organizations and protect communities from illegal activity. Officials say the operation focuses on using the resources of the Department of Justice to fight organized crime and stop illegal activity that threatens public safety.
The investigation into Gilliam’s actions involved multiple law enforcement agencies. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Prisons, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James as part of the federal government’s efforts to crack down on drug trafficking and corruption within correctional institutions.
