Former Correctional Officer Sentenced In Jail Racketeering Conspiracy

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – A former correctional officer has been sentenced to more than six years for his involvement in a Baltimore jail racketeering conspiracy.

Travis Paylor, 27, had plans to smuggle drugs and contraband inside the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC), and he was convicted on February 5, 2015, after a two-month long jury trial.

A total of 40 defendants were convicted, which includes 24 correctional officers.

"Travis Paylor received the longest sentence of any correctional officer in the case, which is appropriate because he continued to engage in illegal activity even after he was charged in this case," said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein, who announced the sentencing.

According to trial testimony and court documents, Black Guerrilla Family (BGF) has been the dominant gang at the BCDC, and in several connected facilities, including the Baltimore Central Booking Intake Center, the Women's Detention Center, which houses many men, and in the Jail Industries Building.

Tavon White and other BGF leaders and members incarcerated at BCDC were involved with and often directed the smuggling of contraband into BCDC, including cell phones, tobacco and drugs, through the services of correctional officers.

According to evidence presented at trial, Paylor was a correctional officer (CO) at the BCDC who smuggled contraband into the jail for distribution by BGF inmates. In return, Paylor and other COs received payments, gifts or a share of the profits.