SEATTLE (AP) — A former prison guard was sentenced in federal court to 18 months in prison for smuggling contraband into the Monroe Correctional Complex.

U.S. Attorney Annette Hayes says Michael Bowden of Everett pleaded guilty in January to extortion.

Hayes says Bowden's actions breached the public's trust and harmed prison staff.

According to records, the state Department of Corrections asked the FBI to become involved in the investigation of contraband smuggling in December 2015.

Using confidential sources inside and outside the prison, agents determined Bowden was accepting bribes of up to $1,000 to smuggle contraband into the facility.

On three different occasions in 2016, Bowden smuggled tobacco, a SIM card, and what he believed was methamphetamine to an inmate. Each time, the inmate turned the contraband over to investigators.

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