The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — A retired federal corrections officer has been charged with distributing heroin and providing contraband to prisoners at the U.S. Penitentiary at Terre Haute.
Edward Tumwar, 54, now of Davenport, Fla., submitted himself to the federal court in Terre Haute on Wednesday where magistrate Judge William Lawrence advised Tumwar that his trial is set for Dec. 15 in front of Judge Jane Mangus-Stinson.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Blackington stated that the investigation into Tumwar began last December when a small amount of heroin was found in the possession of an inmate at the correctional complex. The U.S. Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the drug possession, which led to allegations that Tumwar also provided cellular phones and tobacco products to inmates between June 1 and Dec. 16, 2013. Blackington said that Tumwar retired as a correctional officer after the investigation began, and has since been residing in Florida.
The federal government has given Tumwar notice that if he is convicted of distributing heroin, any property purchased from proceeds of the illegal transaction will be forfeited. The government is seeking forfeiture of Tumwar’s home in Florida, alleging that it was purchased with the proceeds he allegedly received from illegal activities.
The penalty for distribution of heroin is up to 20 years in prison, and the penalty for the two counts of providing contraband in prison is up to 20 years in prison.
Tumwar was released on his own recognizance Wednesday, with pretrial supervision through the federal probation district in central Florida.