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 1,393 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On March 15 at Rogers State Prison, a person was observed exiting a vehicle at the facility’s perimeter. A canine search found multiple large bags of smokeless tobacco. Civilians Millisa Green and Jesse Willis was arrested by the Tattnall County Sheriff Office and taken to the county jail.

On March 14 at Smith State Prison, two suspects were spotted outside the GCI Building and a canine search found a tote bag with tobacco, charging cords, plastic bottles, cell phones and marijuana. Glenville County Police Department arrested the two suspects and transported them to Tattnall County Sheriff's Office.

On March 13 at Macon State Prison, three unknown civilians were walking near the facility’s dorms and a search found several cellphones and tobacco. All three civilians were arrested by Macon County Sheriff’s office.

On March 10 at Dooly State Prison, Officer Natayle Head was checking in at the front entrance when sim cards were detected in her personal belongings. She also turned over contraband including jewelry, and bundles containing marijuana. Officer Head was arrested by the Dooly County Sheriff's Office and transported to the county jail.

On March 10 at Dooly State Prison, Officer Kimberly Byrd was arrested by Dooly County Sherriff’s Office and taken to the county jail after being under investigation by the Office of Professional Standards.

On March 10 at Telfair State Prison, Civilian Devin Bennett was pulled over near the facility and was found to have marijuana on her person. During the traffic stop, officers noticed an unidentified person in the wood line near the facility. Officers conducted a search and recovered tobacco, marijuana and multiple cell phones.  Civilian Bennett was arrested by Telfair County Sheriff Office.

On March 9 at Coastal State Prison, Officer Robin Jones was found with three bundles on her person. The contraband consisted of tobacco, methamphetamine, and unidentified pills. A manila envelope was also tucked in the back of her pants which contained multiple 8x10 sheets of cotton paper soaked in an unknown liquid. Officer Jones was arrested by the Chatham County Sheriff's Office and transported to the county jail.