(Westville, IN) - A correctional officer at the prison in Westville allegedly took money from an inmate to bring contraband into the facility.

 

Ashley Watson, 30, has been charged with Bribery when, according to court documents, the Merrillville woman received two mobile payments for a combined $3,000 earlier this month.  One of the payments was allegedly from the mother of an inmate.

 

Watson reportedly admitted to accepting money from an inmate but claimed she never brought contraband into the prison.

 

Authorities said she gave only a basic description of the inmate and was also advised that stealing money from inmates can be dangerous.

 

Her response was, allegedly, "What are they gonna do?"

 

She was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.  Watson could face anywhere from a one to six-year sentence on the Level 5 felony count.