Unsecured bond set for former prison counselor

YOUNGSTOWN — A former Northeast Ohio Correction Center counselor charged with bribery and providing contraband to an inmate was arraigned today in U.S. District Court. Michael K. Pearson, 35, of Fairmont Avenue was released on $10,000 unsecured bond. He was indicted May 24. A federal investigator described Pearson in a 12-page affidavit as a correction officer/counselor.

An informant inside the Hubbard Road prison revealed to guards that Pearson was bringing in prohibited items such as marijuana, cigarettes, radios, MP3 players, body building supplements and heroin for one inmate, the government said. Pearson was hired at NOCC on Dec. 6, 2004 and fired Aug. 25, 2006 for policy violations.