Contraband Arrests at Valdosta and Johnson 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 887 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On November 18, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department arrested Valdosta State Prison Correctional Officer Rondrekia Johnson for the Introduction of Contraband Behind Guard Lines and Violation of Oath by a Public Officer. During shift briefing, a strong odor of marijuana was detected from Officer Johnson's person. Officer Johnson consented to a strip search, but no contraband was found. A security check was then conducted inside of the shift briefing room, which led to the detection of 6.4 ounces of marijuana that had been placed inside of a snow cone machine.

On November 19, at Johnson State Prison, rolling papers were found inside Officer Lutisher Beasley’s bag during a routine search before entering the institution. Officer Beasley attempted to leave the facility, but was redirected inside. Officer Beasley then consented to a strip search where the following contraband was found on her person: 2 cell phones and an undetermined amount of tobacco.