A former federal prison guard in Rochester was sentenced Thursday to prison for taking $6,500 to smuggle in items for an inmate.

Richard Torres, 27, was given a 12-month sentence by U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz. Torres had pleaded guilty to one count of bribery of a public official in September as part of an agreement.

Torres admitted to soliciting the bribe in November 2008 and smuggling in cell phones, tobacco and dietary supplements, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney's office. Authorities said Torres, who started working at the Federal Medical Center in November 2005, needed money.

In court papers filed to support a sentence of 12 to 18 months, Torres' attorney said that his client's shame was deep and had cost him friends as well as his career. But attorney Andrew Mohring also said Torres is resolved to go forward and has plans to study and work as a mechanic.

VINCE TUSS