Contraband Arrest 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 830 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On June 18, at Smith State Prison, Tattnall County Sheriff’s Department arrested visitor Patrice Hill after she attempted to enter the facility with contraband. While attempting to enter the front bunker, security staff detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from her person. Officers conducted a search of visitor Hill's vehicle and discovered a small black balloon filled with marijuana.

One June 18, at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison, visitor Consuella Cooper was arrested by Butts County Sheriff's Department after she attempted to enter the facility with contraband. While attempting to enter the front bunker, security staff detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from her person. After refusing a strip search, the facility made contact with Butts County Sheriff's Department. Visitor Cooper attempted to leave the facility, and before departure, marijuana was thrown from her vehicle. Butts County Sheriff’s Department then conducted a search of her vehicle and 2 pounds of marijuana were discovered.

On June 19, Dooly State Prison Correctional Officer Briana Lucas was arrested by Dooly County Sheriff's Department for the introduction of contraband behind guard lines and for violation of oath by a Public Officer. During shift briefing a strong odor of marijuana was detected coming from her person. Officer Lucas was asked to report to the security office but instead entered into the restroom and attempted to discard the contraband. The Shift Officer searched the restroom and detected 7.4 grams of marijuana inside the restroom trashcan.

On June 19, at Georgia State Prison, Civilian Betty Children was arrested by Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office after she entered the facility with contraband. A search was conducted and 25 grams of tobacco and 28.5 grams of marijuana were found.

The Department of Corrections is committed to identifying and pursuing prosecution of those persons who attempt to introduce contraband into state facilities.