Four ECI defendants could be taking plea deals

at eastern correction institution — as it appears a few of the 80 people named in the indictment may be ready to cut a deal. 47 abc’s julian sadur explains. track plea deals may be on the table for four of the defendants named in the massive alleged contraband smuggling operation at eastern correctional institution. in a status hearing – assistant united states attorney – leo wise – said – as of november 10th – quote four defendants have signed plea agreements and are schedule to enter guilty pleas from searching court documents – those four appear to be former correctional officer and current inmate ramel chase – correctional officer rachelle hankerson – and outside facilitators trina williams johnson and miguel matos. out of the four – it was hankerson – who court documents show was the c-o that ordered an inmate to be stabbed at her request back in july of this year. hankerson was allegedly making 12 to 13 hundred dollars per trip – where she would smuggle in synthetic marijuana – cans of tobacco – and other contraband into the prison. another seemingly big player in this scandal that may accept their plea – is williams johnson – who court documents show may have had a relationship with one of the inmates. on the outside she allegedly facilitated drug dealsand actually picked up drugs and delivered them to correctional officers so they could smuggle them in. all four defendants are scheduled to have re-indictment hearings either this month or next. it’s at those hearings where they would have the option to officially accept a plea agreement or request to go to trial. julian sadur 47 abc because of legal proceedings the united state’s attorneys office could not comment on what the plea deals consist of – or whether any other defendants are seeking deals. a princess anne town commissioner involved in an extortion scandal could