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 1,268 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On August 7 at Phillips State Prison, after an ongoing investigation by GDC Office of Professional Standards, a warrant was obtained for Correctional Officer Shakira Bethea. Officer Bethea was arrested by Gwinnett County Police Department. 

On August 10 at Lee Arrendale State Prison, Civilian Robert Perera consented to a search of his vehicle where 2 knives, 1 gun, 11 bullets, and 2 black bundles of contraband were located. Civilian Perera was arrested by Habersham County Sheriff's Office and escorted to the Habersham County Jail. 

On August 9 at Valdosta State Prison, Maintenance Craftsman Jason Elliott entered the rear gate of the facility and a shakedown was conducted of the maintenance cart he was driving. During the shakedown 1 cell phone was recovered. Maintenance Craftsman Elliot was arrested by Lowndes County Sheriff's Office.