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Ballplayer admits prison job bogus

MARIANNA - A former minor league baseball player who allegedly was hired by the state prison system only to play on a softball team has pleaded guilty to a reduced misdemeanor charge.

Mark Guerra, who pitched in the Houston Astros organization, pleaded guilty Tuesday to giving "inaccurate or incomplete information" to state and federal investigators looking into allegations of corruption in the Florida Department of Corrections, his attorney said Wednesday.

When first interviewed by FBI and Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents, Guerra did not give them complete information about his role and who hired him, attorney Mark Walker said.

Guerra, 34, was originally charged with grand theft for accepting two paychecks to work in a North Florida prison library, while instead playing on the winning team in then-Corrections Secretary Jim Crosby's softball tournament in May. He faced up to five years in prison.

Guerra "was never a major target," Walker said. "He was caught up with something bigger than he was."

He was charged during a state and federal investigation of various allegations, including prison guards selling steroids, theft and misuse of state property and embezzlements from a prison recycling program.

Crosby was forced to resign and interim Secretary James McDonough has removed a deputy assistant secretary, four prison wardens, three assistants and two regional directors.

Under the plea deal, Guerra is required to pay back the $1,400 he received and perform 50 hours of community service with schools. Guerra is cooperating with investigators, Walker said.

Corrections spokesman Robby Cunningham had no comment because Guerra "is no longer an employee."

[Last modified March 23, 2006, 02:15:42]