March 01, 2021
Contraband Arrests at Multiple State Prisons
As of July 2010, The GDC Office of Professional Standards, in conjunction with local & federal law enforcement partners, have investigated or arrested approximately 1,437 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.
On February 28 at Ware State Prison, an individual was seen on the facility’s property. The suspect had a black trash bag containing an unknown amount of contraband. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Ware County Jail.
On February 26 at Valdosta State Prison, Food Service staff Katessa Smith, attempted to enter the front entry when she was unable to clear the metal detector. A search found bags of tobacco on her person. Officer Smith was arrested and transported to the Lowndes County Jail.
On February 25 at Valdosta State Prison, Officer Mariah Jackson attempted to enter the facility and was unable to clear the metal detector. Officer Jackson was found to have cigarettes and tobacco on her person, along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia in her car. Officer Jackson was arrested and transported to the Lowndes County Jail.