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 1,109 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the stat

On September 17 at Telfair State Prison, security staff observed 2 unidentified individuals running from the facility training building toward the woodline. Telfair County Sheriff’s Office was notified and conducted a search of the area. They recovered 2 bottles containing, 2 cell phones, 5 cell phone chargers, 188 grams of tobacco, 36 grams of marijuana, 13 packs of rolling paper. Telfair County Sheriff’s Office arrested Casey Laquary Sutton after her vehicle was observed leaving the facility. A search of her vehicle revealed 1 package containing approximately 8 grams of marijuana. 

On September 16 at Rogers State Prison, Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office arrested civilian Justin Kirkland after a traffic stop near the facility. Civilian Kirkland was found to be in possession of a drone & drone battery, 10 grams of tobacco, 5 cell phones and 14 cell phone chargers.

On September 16 at Wilcox State Prison, Officer Jasmine Murphy attempted to enter the front bunker when security staff noticed 4 packages wrapped in plastic in her food tray. The packages contained 138 grams of tobacco. Officer Murphy was arrested by the Abbeville Police Department. 

On September 15 at Johnson State Prison, security staff observed an unknown individual running from the perimeter fence towards the woodline. A search of the area revealed 2 packages, which contained an unknown substance. Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Wrightsville Police Department arrested Cornelius Williams after he exited the woodline near the facility. 

On September 12 at Coastal State Prison, counselor Ashely Washington attempted to enter the front entrance when security staff detected a strong odor of marijuana. When the security supervisor arrived, counselor Washington began pulling out the contraband, which consisted of 6 bags of tobacco weighing 11.5 ounces, 5 bags of marijuana weighing 5.5 ounces, 1 bag of cocaine weighing 8.4 grams, 1 bag of methamphetamine weighing 2.5 ounces. Counselor Washington was arrested by Savannah Metro Police Department and transported to Chatham County Jail.