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 875 staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On October 23, while attempting to enter the front bunker at Washington State Prison, visitor Shaquita Renee Walker was unable to clear the metal detector. She consented to a search of her person and 13 balloons of marijuana were found. Walker was arrested by Washington County Sheriffs Department.

On October 20, at Calhoun State Prison, a Sergeant detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from one of two officers as they entered the building. After entering the building, the first officer gave consent for a pat search and no contraband was detected. Officer Patrice Thomas continued on into the facility where she went directly into the restroom before shift briefing. The Sergeant searched the restroom and found 23.4 ounces of marijuana. Officer Thomas then returned to the restroom to retrieve the contraband and was observed by the Sergeant. Officer Thomas gave consent for a strip search but no additional contraband was found. After being questioned, Officer Thomas admitted to bringing the contraband into the facility and was arrested by Calhoun Sheriff’s Department.

On October 16, Civilian Travious Sentell was arrested by Tattnall County Sheriff Office after he was seen walking along Cedar Haw Road in Reidsville, Georgia and admitted to dropping off contraband at the Rogers State Prison cattle barn. A Sheriff’s Deputy searched the area and found 110 balls of tobacco wrapped in electrical tape.