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 1,621staff and civilians for introducing contraband into prisons throughout the state.

On December 18 at Hays State Prison, security staff observed an unidentified individual near the perimeter. Chattooga County Sheriff's Office (SO) and GDC OPS Canine Unit were notified.  Upon arrival, two bundles were located, and Douglas Wiggings was observed leaving the area.  He consented to a search of his person where cellphones and a gun were located.  Chattooga SO then located a vehicle with Lauren Cherry inside.  A search of her vehicle found several grams of marijuana.  Chattooga Co Sheriff's office arrested Wiggins and Cherry.

On December 18 at Rogers State Prison, Tattnall County Sheriff's Office (SO) conducted a vehicle stop in front of the facility. A search of the vehicle was conducted where tobacco was found.  Tattnall County SO arrested Kevin Gerald.

On December 15 at Calhoun State Prison,  Calhoun County Sheriff's Office (SO) conducted a traffic stop where the following contraband was located, tobacco, marijuana, ecstasy pills, cell phones, and chargers. Calhoun County SO arrested four individuals.

On December 13 at Calhoun State Prison, Calhoun County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop near the facility.  Two passengers fled on foot, and the driver was taken into custody.  A K-9 unit was dispatched and apprehended the two passengers. A backpack containing bundles wrapped in tape was recovered.  Civilians James Keene, Gregory Brown, and Capers Brown were all arrested by Calhoun County (SO).

On December 13 at Wilcox State Prison, security staff observed an unidentified person near the facility.  GDC OPS Canine Unit and Abbeville Police Department (PD) were notified. A search of facility grounds found nine bundles of contraband.  The individual was apprehended and identified as Gavin Dacnes. The Abbeville Police Department found another civilian, Brendan Salters, parked near the facility. A search of his vehicle found marijuana and cell phones. Dacnes and Salters were arrested by Abbeville PD.

On December 13 at Wilcox State Prison, security staff observed two individuals in a vehicle near the facility. Wilcox County Sheriff's Office and GDC OPS Canine Unit were notified. The suspects were identified as Demetrius Barnes and Michael Whittaker. After searching the vehicle, the following contraband was recovered: cellphones, bottle of liquor, drone, block chargers, and bundles wrapped in tape. Wilcox County Sheriff's Office arrested Barnes and Whittaker.