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 1,203 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On March 31 at Johnson State Prison, nurse Patricia Edwards admitted to introducing contraband to the facility. Edwards was arrested by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

On March 30 at Telfair State Prison, security staff observed two civilians near the fence line. After questioning, the individuals admitted to attempting to throw contraband over the facility’s fence. The contraband consisted of 2 bundles wrapped in tape with 1,092 grams of tobacco, 5 cell phones, 4 chargers and 1 bundle of rolling papers. Both civilians were arrested by the Telfair County Sheriff’s Office.

On March 30 at Wilcox State Prison, Officer Esther Uwaegbulam admitted to introducing contraband to the facility. Uwaegbulam was arrested by the Abbeville Police Department.

On March 28 a Tattnall County Sheriff’s Officer conducted a traffic stop near Rogers State Prison. During the stop, the Officer discovered 52 unopened bundles, 6 cell phones, 6 chargers, and 12 money cards. Civilians Emily Thomas, Wendy Thomas and Tony Evans were arrested by the Tattnall County Sheriff’s Office.

On March 27, the Dooly County Sheriff’s Department arrested a civilian near Dooly State Prison. The sheriff’s department discovered 20 cell phones, 20 chargers, 2 pounds of tobacco, rolling papers, 1 tube of super glue and 1.3 ounces of marijuana.