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Former Correctional Officer Facing Federal Charges

Last updated on Thursday, October 16, 2014

(TERRE HAUTE) - Federal charges were announced on Wednesday against a former corrections officer at the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute.

54-year-old Edward Tunwar was charged with distribution of a controlled substance and two counts of providing contraband in prison.

"We have a right as citizens to put full trust and confidence in our public employees," said Josh J. Minkler, the Acting United States Attorney. "When they betray our trust, they will face the full extent of federal law."

WTHI reports, officials believe Tunwar, while working as a corrections officer, provided an inmate with heroin on December 16 of 2013. They also believe, on June 1 and Dec. 16, Tunwar provided an inmate with a cell phone and tobacco products.

"The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue breaches of the public trust at the local, state and federal levels of government. Public corruption remains a high priority criminal program," said Special Agent in Charge W. Jay Abbott.

Tunwar had his initial appearance in Federal Court Wednesday before a magistrate judge.

According to Senior Litigation Counsel Bradley Blackington, who is prosecuting the case for the government, Tunwar faces up to 41 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

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