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 1,091 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the stat

On August 4 at Smith State Prison, Visitor Khayla Griffith attempted to enter the facility for visitation when the body scanner detected a suspicious item in her midsection. After further investigation, 6 small balloons containing 1.8 grams of marijuana and 1 small balloon containing 4 suspected ecstasy pills were discovered. Visitor Griffith was placed under arrest by GDC Office of Professional Standards and transported by Glennville Police Department to Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office. 

On August 4 at Smith State Prison, Visitor Erica Newman attempted to enter the facility for visitation when a strong odor of marijuana was detected coming from her person. After further investigation, 20 small balloons containing 45.9 grams of marijuana was found on her person. Visitor Newman was placed under arrest by GDC Office of Professional Standards and transported by Glennville Police Department to Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office. 

On August 4 at Augusta State Medical Prison, Officer Danika George attempted to enter the facility when the following contraband was discovered on her person, in her bag and in her vehicle. 362.4 grams of tobacco, 7 packs of rolling paper, 4 touch screen cellular phones wrapped in tape, 5 USB cable cords and 1 needleless syringe. Officer George was placed under arrest by Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. 

On August 1 at Calhoun State Prison, Officer Antonio Wright attempted to enter the facility with a styrofoam plate, when security staff detected a strong odor of marijuana. 3 bundles wrapped in tape were found inside of Officer Wright’s styrofoam plate. He was arrested by Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. 

On July 31 at Rutledge State Prison, Food Service worker Carl Hontz attempted to enter the facility with 1 pack of unopened cigarettes and I pack of unopened loose tobacco. Hontz was placed under arrest by Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office.