Conspiracy to smuggle drugs and weapons in Philadelphia prison leads to three counts of indictment

PHILADELPHIA – Three people have been charged in federal court after authorities say they participated in a conspiracy to smuggle drugs, weapons and cell phones into a Philadelphia prison.

U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero said Breyanna Cornish, 29, and Jawayne Brown, 40, both of Philadelphia, and Ahmad Nasir, 43, who is incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution – Greene, Franklin Township, were charged with federal bribery for their involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband, including cell phones, narcotics/controlled substances and weapons, into the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center.

Brown and Nasir also face additional charges related to conspiracy to possess Suboxone with intent to distribute, federal authorities said.

If convicted, Cornish faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, three years probation and a fine of up to $500,000. Brown faces up to 25 years in prison, three years probation and a fine of up to $1 million. Nasir faces a maximum of 35 years in prison, three years probation and a fine of up to $1.5 million.

The case was investigated by the FBI with significant assistance from the Philadelphia Department of Prisons and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan E. Claiborne.