First plea deal in ECI case accepted

The first plea deal has been signed in the massive alleged contraband smuggling operation at Eastern Correctional Institution. Miguel Matos forgoing his right to a trial by admitting that he had helped smuggle drugs to his son, Devon Matos, an inmate at the prison in Westover.

According to court documents Matos helped his son smuggle drugs by obtaining contraband and giving it to correctional officers who would then smuggle it into the prison.  Matos also admitted to conducting financial transactions on behalf of his son to both purchase the contraband and pay the correctional officers for their services.

Within the plea deal, officials claim a wire tap used in the investigation revealed that in March of 2016 Matos called Apryl Robinson, another facilitator, and the two discussed how Robinson would package synthetic weed that Matos would supply her with when they met that day. Another wire tap revealed that in March of 2016 Matos called his son and told him that the contraband was “dropped off” and “on its way to you.” Two months later, another wire tap revealed that Matos and Robinson were suspicious that a correctional officer was speaking to investigators about their operation. According to court documents after Correctional Officer Donte Harris met with Robinson, he was arrested, but was not detained. Matos expressed his concern to Robinson saying “that *expletive* telling – he gotta be they let him out,” referring to the fact that Harris as not detained after being arrested.

Court documents show Matos pleaded guilty to racketeering, a charge punishable by up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine not more than twice the gross proceeds derived from the offense.

Matos is set to have a sentencing hearing February 24, 2017.