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 1,085 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On July 14 at Coastal State Prison, Visitor Miriam Vonashek was observed passing an offender contraband during visitation. The offender was searched, and security staff located 1 package wrapped in black tape, which contained marijuana. Visitor Vonashek’s vehicle was also searched and an unknown amount of marijuana was found. Office Vonashek was arrested by GDC Office of Professional Standards and transported to Chatham County Sheriff’s Office. 

On July 13 at Wilcox State Prison, Officers observed Probationer Silas Roberson in the wood-line near the facility. A search was conducted of the wood-line, which yielded a book bag with unknown contents. Probationer Roberson was arrested by the Abbeville Police Department. 

On July 12 at Telfair State Prison, Officer Barbara Wesley attempted to enter the facility, when the body scanner alerted to contraband on her person. Officer Wesley consented to a search and 2.1 ounces of tobacco and 3.3 ounces of methamphetamine were found.  They also recovered 15 ounces of tobacco and 3.2 ounces of marijuana in her vehicle. Officer Wesley was arrested by Telfair County Sheriff’s Office.

On July 9 at Hays State Prison, Officer Tiffany Cook consented to a search of her person, in which the following contraband was found; 57.8 grams of heroin, 141.8 grams of methamphetamine, 201.2 grams of marijuana and 104.2 grams of tobacco. Officer Cook was arrested by Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.