Contraband Arrest 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 1,274 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On August 18 at Hays State Prison, staff received a tip that Visitor Harold Leverett would be bringing contraband into the facility.  Visitor Leverett refused to be searched; however,  once his driver returned to the facility the canine unit alerted on their vehicle.  A search revealed a green leafy substance and open containers of alcohol.  The driver was unable to be identified but he and visitor Leverett were arrested by Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

On August 15 at Rutledge State Prison, while conducting inspection security staff noticed a bulge in Officer Daquan Bennett’s pocket.  It was discovered that Officer Bennett had 65.7 grams of marijuana and 21.2 grams of tobacco on his person. Officer Bennett was arrested by GDC Office of Professional standards and turned over to Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office and transported to Muscogee County Jail.

On August 14 at Valdosta State Prison, during a check of the perimeter vehicle Officer Jasmine Miller was found with tobacco and a cell phone.  Officer Miller was arrested by GDC Office of Professional Standards and transported to Lowndes County Jail by Lowndes County Sheriff's Office.

On August 14 at Wilcox State Prison, the canine unit had alerted of a suspicious person at the railroad tracks near the facility.  A black bag was recovered at the railroad tracks which contained a paper with unknown substance, cell phones, marijuana and meth.  Civilian Lamar Stephens was arrested by Wilcox County Sheriff's Office and transported to the Wilcox County Jail.

On August 12 at Coastal State Prison, contraband was detected in Officer Rayna Lovett’s bag at the front entry by the portal Sergeant.  The contraband consisted of 3 cell phones and 2 cell phone chargers.  Officer Lovett consented to a search of her person where 8 ounces of tobacco was located.  She was arrested by the Chatham County Sheriff's Office.