Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Nicholas Grindle, a former prison officer, was sentenced for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and bribery. During his sentencing, Grindle sought leniency by falsely claiming he had been injured in combat during his military service.
“Grindle violated his oath of office by smuggling drugs into a prison he swore to protect,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “He then compounded this crime by lying about his military service.”
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division, remarked on the severity of Grindle's actions: “It’s alarming to think that this prison guard was brazen enough to distribute dangerous drugs and other contraband. He must now face the consequences.”
Tyrone Oliver, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections, expressed disapproval of Grindle's conduct: “The GDC does not tolerate actions of individuals who choose to bring discredit to the values of our agency and put their fellow officers at risk. We appreciate the support of our federal partners in ensuring that justice will be served, and we are proud of those officers involved who were diligent in stopping further introduction of dangerous contraband into one of our facilities.”
Court records reveal that while working as a guard at Hays State Prison, Grindle smuggled methamphetamine and other contraband for over a month between late 2023 and early 2024. His fellow officers discovered methamphetamine, cell phones, and other contraband in his locker intended for distribution within the prison. Financial investigations showed that Grindle received bribes from inmates for smuggling activities.
Grindle previously served in Afghanistan with the United States Army but fabricated stories about being injured in combat during his sentencing hearing. His military records and letters from former unit members disproved these claims.
Judge William M. Ray II sentenced Grindle, aged 32 from Summerville, Georgia, to 87 months in confinement followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty on November 21, 2024.
The investigation was conducted by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement units.
Assistant United States Attorney Calvin A. Leipold III prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office advises parents and children to learn about drug dangers through www.justthinktwice.gov.
For more information contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office via email at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or phone (404) 581-6016. The website for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
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