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 1,353 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On January 6th at Rogers State Prison, a suspicious vehicle was found parked near the facility. Tattnall County Sheriff's Office and GDC Canine searched the vehicle and found 32 packs of Bugler Tobacco. Civilians Ricco Merriweather and Vanterika Kismekia Collins were arrested by Tattnall County Sheriff's Office and transported to Tattnall County Jail.

On January 6th at Arrendale State Prison, Officer Valeria Pelles entered the facility with a pack of cigarettes and a cup that contained alcohol. Officer Pelles was arrested by Habersham County Sheriff's Office and transported to Habersham County Jail.

On January 5th at Rogers State Prison, Officer Sharna Dasher was reported to have an odor of marijuana coming from her person. Officer Dasher admitted to possessing 5 bundles of contraband which included approximately 188 grams of marijuana. Dasher was transported to the Tattnall County Jail. 

On December 31st at Rogers State Prison, GDC K9 unit discovered two small bundles, wrapped in electrical tape, that contained approximately 32 grams of methamphetamine on passenger, Quincy Maxey, at a traffic stop. The driver, Sontazia Peek, was found with approximately 681 grams of smokeless tobacco, and approximately 2,310 grams of tobacco. Civilians Peek and Maxey were arrested and transported to the Tattnall County Jail.