Hinds Today

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith has expressed optimism that the House of Representatives will act on a Senate-approved bill aimed at curbing contraband and organized crime in federal prisons. The bipartisan Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act (S.5284), which she cosponsored, seeks to elevate the charge for smuggling contraband cellphones into federal prisons from a misdemeanor to a felony.

"Cell phones smuggled into prisons as contraband create a threat to everyone – including other prisoners, outside civilians, and especially those who are responsible for the prison’s safety," stated Hyde-Smith. She emphasized the importance of the bill's passage for ensuring more severe penalties for this offense.

In Mississippi, possessing or introducing contraband cell phones in state prisons can lead to a 15-year sentence. Currently, federal law limits punishment for similar offenses in federal facilities to one year. S.5284 proposes increasing this penalty to up to five years.

The legislation honors Lt. Osvaldo Albarati, a Bureau of Prisons officer murdered in 2013 after his shift at Puerto Rico's Metropolitan Detention Center. Five men confessed to targeting him due to his efforts against contraband, including cell phones used by inmates.

"My family and I are extremely pleased with S.5284 passing the Senate," said Helen Albarati, Lt. Albarati's widow. She hopes for continued support from the House to prevent future tragedies like her family's experience.

Introduced by Senators Jon Ossoff and Chuck Grassley and cosponsored by Senators Cory Booker and Ted Cruz, S.5284 has received praise from Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz, who urged House action on it.

Earlier this year, Hyde-Smith introduced another measure called the END CELLS Act (S.3780). This proposed legislation would make it illegal for anyone to provide wireless devices to prisoners or for inmates themselves to possess such devices while incarcerated. It also suggests additional fines up to $50,000 per violation involving contraband phone use or supply.