Guard accused of smuggling cell phone

ODESSA, Texas (AP) - A guard working at the Ector County Correctional Center near Odessa has been charged with bribery. A federal prosecutor said Andrew Allen Zehr is charged in connection with cell phone smuggling to prison inmates.

The 23-year-old officer allegedly accepted $150 to smuggle the cell phone and two or three bags of marijuana at $100 each since October. Federal drug agents arrested Zehr Tuesday, and he is booked in the Midland County Jail in nearby Midland, pending an initial court appearance.

The name of the federal prisoner alleged to have offered the bribes is being withheld pending an investigation. Zehr was employed by New Jersey-based Civigenics, otherwise known as Community Education Centers. The company operates the Ector County jail under contract.