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 1,118 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the stat

On September 30 at Hays State Prison, after visitation ended, an offender was searched, and security staff discovered a balloon containing a $100 bill and a $20 bill on his person. Visitor Priscilla Cox had been visiting the offender and admitted to bringing in the contraband. Visitor Cox was arrested by Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office and transported to Chattooga County Jail.

On September 30 at Wilcox State Prison, while conducting a search of an offender after visitation, security staff found an unknown amount of marijuana, tobacco, unknown pills and rolling papers wrapped in plastic on his person. Visitor Ashton Cheeks admitted to introducing the contraband into the facility and was placed under arrest by Wilcox County Sheriff’s Office. 

On September 30 at Lee Arrendale State Prison, security staff noticed a suspicious vehicle on the prison grounds. The male was identified as Civilian Bruce Gilbert Riech. During a search of his vehicle, the following contraband was discovered: 4 cartons of cigarettes (80 packs of cigarettes), black garbage bags and a pistol with a full clip of ammunition. Civilian Reich was arrested by Banks County Sheriff’s Office.

On September 30 at Johnson State Prison, while conducting vehicle searches prior to visitation, the canine unit received a hit on a vehicle. The vehicle was searched and an unknown amount of marijuana, clear small baggies, tape and lotion were found inside. Civilian Stephanie Lafollette consented to a search of her person, where they found an unknown substance. Civilian Lafollette was arrested by Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. 

On September 29 at Smith State Prison, visitor Latrice Fleming attempted to enter the facility when security staff observed a suspicious item on her person. Visitor Fleming admitted to having tobacco on her person. After conducting a search, they discovered 2 flattened packages wrapped in plastic containing 7.8 grams of loose tobacco, rolling papers and 24.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine. Visitor Fleming was arrested by GDC Office of Professional Standards and transported by Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office to Tattnall County Jail. 

On September 25 at Rogers State Prison, Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop next to the institution. A search of the vehicle revealed the following contraband: 8 packages of tobacco, weighing approximately 960 grams; 7 packages of marijuana, weighing approximately 210 grams; 7 cell phones, 5 cell phone chargers, 2 Co2 tanks, 1 t-shirt launcher. Civilians Shamika Whitehead, Pierre Tharpe, and Markeis Whitehead were arrested by Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office and transported to Tattnall County Jail.