Former corrections officer pleads guilty to smuggling drugs, alcohol into Cook County Jail

A former Cook County corrections officer pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to smuggling marijuana, tobacco and alcohol into the Cook County Jail.

Jason Marek, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of federal program bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years, a statement from U.S. Attorney’s office in Chicago.

Marek smuggled the drugs in May and June of 2013 while working in a maximum security tier of the jail. Knowing the drugs would be sold to other inmates, he agreed to smuggle in marijuana and alcohol for an inmate after initially selling him used chewing tobacco for $200, prosecutors said.

The former officer tucked the drugs in sandwiches and then snuck them past security. He was paid by the inmate’s wife at a location outside of the jail, prosecutors said.

His sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.