Huntsville, Alabama, September 23, 2025
News Summary
John Paul Ketteman, a 28-year-old ex-state prison officer, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for accepting bribes while smuggling contraband. Operating at the Limestone Correctional Facility, Ketteman received over $10,000 via Cash App to facilitate illegal activities. His case highlights ongoing corruption issues within the Alabama corrections system, prompting calls for reform amidst investigations involving multiple officers.
Huntsville, Alabama – John Paul Ketteman, a 28-year-old former state prison officer, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for his role in a bribery scheme involving contraband smuggling. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke, following Ketteman’s guilty plea to the charge of receipt of a bribe by an agent or organization receiving federal funds earlier in 2023.
Ketteman was employed at the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) at the Limestone Correctional Facility in Harvest, Alabama, where he held the responsibilities of inspecting prison cells for contraband and supervising inmates. He began his employment with ADOC on June 8, 2012, and resigned on November 22, 2022. His actions were part of a larger investigation into contraband smuggling by corrections officers at the facility, which commenced in the fall of 2022.
As part of the federal investigation by the FBI and the United States Secret Service, along with assistance from ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division, evidence was gathered that implicated Ketteman in receiving over $10,000 in payments through Cash App in exchange for smuggling contraband into the prison. Court documents indicated that he acted as a lookout and also provided advance notice to inmates regarding impending inspections.
Ketteman was one of four prison officers indicted on state charges in 2022, and another officer, Alex Christian Andrews, is currently facing federal indictment as well. The collaborative investigation has shed light on corruption within the corrections system in Alabama and the challenges posed by contraband smuggling in state prisons.
In summary, John Paul Ketteman’s actions not only resulted in a federal conviction but also highlighted the need for ongoing scrutiny and reform within the Alabama corrections system to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Background on Contraband Smuggling Investigations
The investigation into contraband smuggling at the Limestone Correctional Facility reflects widespread issues regarding the integrity of prison staff and the challenges in maintaining security within corrections facilities. These investigations often involve extensive oversight and collaboration among various law enforcement agencies to address corruption and uphold safety standards.
Key Details of the Case
- Defendant: John Paul Ketteman
- Age: 28
- Sentence: 15 months in federal prison
- Charge: Receipt of a bribe by an agent or organization receiving federal funds
- Employment: Alabama Department of Corrections, Limestone Correctional Facility
- Date of Employment: June 8, 2012 – November 22, 2022
- Amount Received: Over $10,000 for smuggling contraband
- Investigating Agencies: FBI, United States Secret Service, ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division
FAQ Section
Who is John Paul Ketteman?
John Paul Ketteman is a 28-year-old former state prison officer who has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for bribery charges.
What was Ketteman charged with?
John Paul Ketteman was charged with receipt of a bribe by an agent or organization receiving federal funds.
What was Ketteman’s role at the Alabama Department of Corrections?
Ketteman’s job duties included inspecting prison cells for contraband and supervising inmates.
How much money did Ketteman receive for smuggling?
Ketteman received over $10,000 to smuggle contraband into the facility.
Which agencies conducted the investigation?
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the United States Secret Service, with assistance from ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division.
Chart: Key Features of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | John Paul Ketteman |
| Age | 28 |
| Sentence | 15 months in federal prison |
| Charge | Receipt of a bribe |
| Facility | Limestone Correctional Facility |
| Date of Employment | June 8, 2012 – November 22, 2022 |
| Bribe Amount | Over $10,000 |
| Investigating Agencies | FBI, United States Secret Service, ADOC’s Law Enforcement Services Division |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Corrections Officer in Huntsville Pleads Guilty to Bribery
Additional Resources
- WHNT News
- Wikipedia: Bribery
- Rocket City Now
- Google Search: Contraband Smuggling
- AL.com
- Google Scholar: Prison Corruption
- WAFF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prison
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
