Georgia inmate pleads guilty in money laundering scheme

ATLANTA (AP) – Federal prosecutors say a Georgia prison inmate has pleaded guilty in a million dollar money laundering scheme he orchestrated while he was behind bars.

Authorities said in a statement Monday that 35-year-old Reginald Perkins pleaded guilty to money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced June 20.

Officials say Perkins was an inmate at Autry State Prison in Pelham and was one of many prisoners who had illegal access to a cellphone.

Prosecutors say Perkins and other inmates used phones to find fraud victims online. Officials say inmates called victims and told them they either had to pay an unresolved fine or face arrest.

They ordered the victims to buy pre-paid cash cards and provide the account number or wire the money into the inmates’ prepaid debit card accounts.