Nicholas Grindle has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and bribery. During the sentencing hearing, Grindle's plea for leniency was challenged due to his false claims of being injured in combat during 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, expressed concern: "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, remarked on the case: "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." He acknowledged federal partners' support in ensuring justice and praised officers who stopped further contraband introduction into the facility.
As detailed by Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, while working as a guard at Hays State Prison, Grindle smuggled methamphetamine and other contraband for over a month from late 2023 into early 2024. His fellow officers discovered methamphetamine, cell phones, and other contraband in his locker intended for distribution within the prison. Financial records revealed that Grindle received bribes from inmates for bringing these items into the prison.
Grindle previously served in Afghanistan with the United States Army but falsely claimed during sentencing that he had been injured in combat by a Taliban fighter. A review of military records and letters from former unit members confirmed these heroism claims were fabricated.
Grindle, aged 32 from Summerville, Georgia, received an 87-month sentence followed by three years of supervised release from United States District Judge William M. Ray II after pleading guilty on November 21, 2024.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation along with Georgia Department of Corrections Office of Professional Standards and Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Calvin A. Leipold III prosecuted this case.
For more information on drug dangers visit www.justthinktwice.gov or contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.