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 1,416 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On January 17 at Burruss Correctional Training Center, security staff spotted a package in the jacket of Officer Monica Patrick as she was entering the facility. The packaged contained tobacco. Officer Patrick was arrested and transported to the Monroe County Jail.

On January 17 at Telfair State Prison, a vehicle was seen driving around the facility. A traffic stop found four unidentified individuals and packages wrapped in tape. All four suspects were arrested and transported to the Telfair County Jail.

On January 16 at Calhoun State Prison, a traffic stop found two individuals who admitted to dropping off a third person to make a contraband drop at the facility. A search of their vehicle found marijuana. Both individuals were arrested and transported to the Calhoun County Jail.

On January 16 at Smith State Prison, security staff observed a drone flying over the facility. A search was conducted and found a vehicle near the facility.  A search of the vehicle found a drone and a bag of unknown contraband.  The driver, Artina Murray and an unidentified male were arrested and transported to Tattnall County jail.

On January 14 at Coastal State Prison, an individual was seen behind the facility.  A search of the perimeter found an unidentified person with the following contraband: marijuana, smart watch, lighter, earbuds, methamphetamine, cellular phones, cellular phone chargers, rolling papers, cigarettes, and tobacco. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Chatham County Jail.

On January 13 at Hancock State Prison, a person was spotted near the facility’s wood line. A search found Civilian Chad Swint with a bag of unknown contraband.  Swint was arrested and transported to the Hancock county jail.

On January 13 at Calhoun State Prison, an individual was spotted behind the facility’s warehouse. A search found civilian Jarvis Bell with the following contraband on his person: marijuana, pills, smart phones, and tobacco. Bell was arrested and transported to the Calhoun County Jail.

On January 12 at Augusta State Medical Prison, Officer Keturah Dunbar was arrested after attempting to enter the facility with contraband on her persons. A search found Officer Dunbar with marijuana and methamphetamines. Officer Dunbar was transported to the Richmond County Jail.

On January 12 at Calhoun State Prison, two people were seen near the facility. A traffic stop led to the arrest of two unidentified females who were transported to the Calhoun County Jail.