WASHINGTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — A former correctional officer at the Northwest Florida Reception Center, Tina Marie Wallace, 50, was found guilty on Thursday of accepting money from inmates in an illegal scheme.
Wallace was convicted of five counts of unlawful compensation for official behavior and five counts of unlawful use of a two-way communications device. The first set of charges carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison, while the latter carries up to five years.
Investigators determined Wallace received more than $24,000 via CashApp from inmates, their relatives, and associates between September and October 2022. In total, 87 transactions were conducted, many of which referenced specific inmates. Wallace transferred the funds from CashApp to her personal bank account 21 times—over half of her annual salary.
Prosecutor Megan Ford said Wallace’s actions extended beyond payments. She regularly communicated with inmates off hours and had control over housing and disciplinary reports during a period of heightened violence and contraband activity.
“This case was about accountability,” Ford said. “The evidence showed a clear pattern of improper payments, and today’s verdict affirms that public trust cannot be bought.”
Wallace’s sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
