Contraband Arrests at Valdosta and Wilcox 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 889 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On November 26, Visitor Mary Seigler was attempting to enter Valdosta State Prison for visitation. Prior to entering the facility, the Sergeant conducted a routine pat search and 12 balloons containing tobacco were discovered. Visitor Seigler then consented to a strip search, and 14 balloons containing what appeared to be meth were found on her person. Visitor Seigler was arrested and escorted out of the facility by Valdosta County Sheriff's Department.

On November 24, the perimeter officer at Wilcox State Prison noticed a suspicious person in the vicinity of the facility. Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search of the suspect, Nelson Garcia, and found an 8-inch knife on his person. Suspect Garcia was arrested for being on state property.