Contraband Arrests
The introduction of contraband continues to be a problem in prison systems across the country. The Tennessee Department of Correction works tirelessly to intercept and recover all forms of contraband in partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The Tennessee Department of Correction’s Office of Investigations and Conduct (OIC) is supported by the District Attorney’s Offices and United States Attorney’s Offices to aggressively prosecute these cases. OIC has assisted in the successful prosecution of visitors, volunteers, inmates, co-conspirators, and former employees.
In 2017, in an effort to enhance our commitment to keeping contraband out of Tennessee correctional facilities TDOC unveiled the Honor the Oath program. Honor the Oath encourages correctional officers to not risk their reputation, their livelihood, their family, or their freedom by violating the oath they swore to uphold. The program supports the hundreds of valuable employees across the state who assist in identifying those who choose to tarnish the badge by introducing contraband into our facilities.
The introduction of contraband into correctional facilities is a serious violation of state law and is not tolerated by the Tennessee Department of Correction. Anyone who has information related to the introduction of contraband is encouraged to call our 24-hour tip line at 1-800-TDC-FIND (1-800-832-3463). Our goal is to identify anyone who provides, assists, or transports contraband that is introduced into our prison. As we identity these suspects, our agents will prosecute, in state and federal courts, anyone involved in or conspiring to exploit our prisons. TDOC will uphold its mission to operate safe and secure prisons and provide effective community supervision in order to enhance public safety.
NEWS RELEASE - New Cadets Assist In Contraband Bust At West Tennessee State Penitentiary
NEWS RELEASE - TDOC Rolls Out New Technology In Fight Against Contraband
NEWS RELEASE - TDOC Special Agents Make Arrests In Contraband Cases
NEWS RELEASE - Visitor Arrested At West Tennessee State Penitentiary
NEWS RELEASE - Inmate In Possession Of A Cell Phone May Now Be Charged With Felony
NEWS RELEASE - Former NECX Employee Convicted
NEWS RELEASE - Two Arrested After Collaborative Investigation At MCCX
NEWS RELEASE - Contraband Arrest At TCIX
NEWS RELEASE - Contraband Arrest At RMSI
NEWS RELEASE - Contraband Arrest At West Tennessee State Penitentiary
NEWS RELEASE - Citizen Arrested At West Tennessee State Penitentiary
NEWS RELEASE - Contraband Arrest At West Tennessee State Penitentiary
NEWS RELEASE - TDOC Makes Contraband Interdiction Arrest
April 24, 2023 - Northwest Correctional Complex visitor Michelle Foster was arrested by the TDOC's Contraband Interdiction Unit for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
April 4, 2023 - Bledsoe County Correctional Complex citizen Tammy Williams was arrested by TDOC's Contraband Interdiction and Apprehension Enforcement Units for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and criminal conspiracy.
March 25, 2023 - South Central Correctional Center visitor Tyvania Timmons was arrested by the Clifton Police Department for violation of state law and introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
March 18, 2023 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center visitor June Adkins was arrested by TDOC's Ofice of Investigations and Conduct for manufacture/sale/delivery for schedule III, manufacture/sale/deliver of schedule II, and introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
February 26, 2023 - Morgan County Correctional Complex visitor Margaret Lewis was arrested for manufacture/deliver/sell schedule II and Introduction f contraband into a penal facility.
January 22, 2023 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility visitor Patricia Johnson was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
January 22, 2023 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility Case Manager Andrea Terry was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana and tobacco).
January 21, 2023 - Whiteville Correctional Facility visitor Berenise Salgado was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for simple possession.
January 14, 2023 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center visitor Christina Walker was arrested by the Trousdale Sheriff's Department for possession of schedule VI.
January 13, 2023 - Citizen/Parolee Julie Brown was arrested by the Clifton Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility, violation of the no-fly zone and operating a drone over a correctional facility at the South Central Correctional Facility.
January 8, 2023 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center visitor Qiara Ford was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
December 31, 2022 - Morgan County Correctional Complex visitor Dana Shirley by the Morgan County Sheriff's Office after a vehicle search for possession of schedule 4 narcotics.
December 28, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Michael Pitts was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
December 23, 2022 - Northeast Correctional Complex visitor Dawn Stevenson was arrested by the Johnson County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility, possession of schedule I for resale, possession of schedule II for resale, simple possession of schedule VI, and conspiracy to deliver schedule I.
December 18, 2022 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center visitor Donna Tarver was arrested by the Hartsville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
December 11, 2022 - During a quarterly vehicle search, West Tennessee State Penitentiary visitor Autumn Cain was arrested by the Lauderdale Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession schedule VI drugs w/intent to distribute.
December 11, 2022 - During a quarterly vehicle search, West Tennessee State Penitentiary visitor Holly Heaton Combs was arrested by the Lauderdale Sheriff's Department for simple possession of schedule VI drugs.
November 26, 2022 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility visitor Kristina Mosby was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband (fentanyl).
November 25, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Portia Akins was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of marijuana.
November 7, 2022 - At Bledsoe County Correctional Complex, citizen William Robinson was arrested by the Bledsoe County Sheriff's Department for possession of drug paraphernalia.
October 30, 2022 - Turney Center Industrial Complex visitor Gregory Blurton was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession of schedule II drugs.
October 22, 2022 - Morgan County Correctiona Complex visitor Shameka Johnson was arrested during a quarterly vehicle search for introduction of contraband and schedule I drugs.
October 9, 2022 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center visitor Chawanna Mockabee was arrested by the Trousdale County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana).
September 25, 2022 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility visitor Leah Foster was arrested by the Hardeman County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (suboxone).
September 24, 2022 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility visitor Teri Wallace by the Hardeman County Sheriff's Office for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and conspiracy to violate state law (meth).
September 18, 2022 - Morgan County Correctional Complex visitor Austin Majors was arrested by the Tennessee Highway Patrol during a quarterly vehicle search for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession of marijuana and cocaine.
September 18, 2022 - Northeast Correctional Complex visitor Hailul Pericaro-Fisher was arrested by the Johnson County Sheriff's Department during a quarterly vehicle search for Simple Possession of Schedule VI Drugs and Refusal To Sign A Citation.
September 17, 2022 - Turney Center Industrial Complex visitor Patrice Leggs was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession w/intent to distribute a controlled substance (suboxone strips).
September 11, 2022 - Northeast Correctional Complex visitor Heather Camara was arrested by the Johnson County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
August 26, 2022 - Turney Center Industrial Complex Correctional Officer Derrick Black was arrested by TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession w/intent to deliver schedule III drugs.
August 23, 2022 - Morgan County Correctional Complex Correctional Teacher Tamara Demetro was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession of schedule II drugs w/intent to deliver.
August 22, 2022 - Davidson County Community Corrections offender Joe Elder was arrested by the Nashville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
August 21, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Chyna Love was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contrabnd into a penal facility (marijuana).
August 21, 2022 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center Correctional Officer Kyle Buss was arrested by the Trousdale County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (fentanyl, tobacco & meth).
August 21, 2022 - Northeast Correctional Complex visitor Tonya Tester was arrested by the Johnson County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (oxycodone, meth & marijuana).
August 21, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Ariel Brassell was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana).
August 18, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Alexandria Butler was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana, rolling papers, cigar wraps, letters).
August 14, 2022 - Turney Center Industrial Complex visitor Rachal Dollard was arrested by the Dickson County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and second degree murder.
August 13, 2022 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility visitor Annie Owens was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department w/ Hardeman County Sheriff's Office K-9 assistance for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
August 11, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Shernkera Currie was arrested TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana).
August 9, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Lakresha Floyd was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
July 15, 2022 - Turney Center Industrial Complex Annex Correctional Officer Kristine Tucker was arrested by the Clifton Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
July 3, 2022 - Citizens Christopher Bobo and Jemiracle Nelson were arrested by the Tiptonville Police Department following an incident where contraband was introduced at Northwest Correctional Complex.
June 5, 2022 - South Central Correctional Facility visitor Jameka McLemore was arrested by the Clifton Police Department after a vehicle search (marijuana).
June 5, 2022 - Northeast Correctional Complex visitor Melinda Stewart was arrested by the Johnson County Sheriff's Department (marijuana).
May 29, 2022 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center visitor Brittany Majors was arrested by the Trousdale Police Department (package containing tobacco, K-2, and cocaine/fentanyl).
May 28, 2022 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility visitor Diana Tovilla was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department (package containing a white powdery substance).
May 28, 2022 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility visitor Sierra Maquire was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department (contraband package).
May 26, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Cordaja Murphy was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for attempting to introduce contraband into a penal facility (communication devices).
May 26, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Deborah Featherson was arrested by the Whiteville Pollice Department for attempting to introduce contraband into a penal facility (communication devices).
May 21, 2022 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center visitor Sarah Price was arrested by the Trousdale Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana & fentanyl).
May 15, 2022 - Citizen Jessica Jordan was arrested by the Bledsoe County Drug Task Force at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex during a routine vehicle search (methamphetamines & drug paraphernalia).
May 8, 2022 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility visitor Ruth Turner was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (xanex, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, & smoking papers).
May 7, 2022 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility visitor Carla Lee was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (suboxone strips, tobacco & marijuana).
May 4, 2022 - Morgan County Correctional Complex visitor Richard Pottinger was arrested by the Morgan County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana).
May 1, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Deandria Myles was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana).
April 30, 2022 - Northwest Correctional Complex Food Stewart Whitney Thompson was arrested by the Obion County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana & methamphetamines)
April 26, 2022 - Civilians Mitchell Simmons and Adriana Jennings were arrested by the Clifton Police Department for introduction of contraband at the South Central Correctional Facility (cell phone, chargers, tobacco, rolling papers, & lighters).
April 24, 2022 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Christi Garrison was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
April 23, 2022 - Turney Center Industrial Complex visitor Kelsey Bureas was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct during a vehicle search for possession of schedule III w/intent to deliver and introduction of contraband into a penal facility (suboxone strips, SD cards & USB flash drives).
April 23, 2022 - Turney Center Industrial Complex visitor Ashley Parks was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct during a vehicle search for possession of schedule III w/intent to deliver and introduction of contraband into a penal facility (suboxone).
April 20, 2022 - Turney Center Industrial Complex visitor Eric Ortiz was arrested by the Hickman County Sheriff's Department for felon in possession of a weapon following a vehicle search.
March 31, 2022 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center DHO clerk Denise Haggerd was arrested by the Trousdale County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession w/intent to resale (fentanyl).
March 29, 2022 - Northeast Correctional Complex visitor Clifton Martin was arrested by the Johnson County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana). A search of the vehicle Clifton Martin arrived in was conducted. The vehicle search resulted in the arrest Kenny Mayes and Alexis Martin for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (tobacco).
March 26, 2022 - South Central Correctional Facility visitor Tamara Murray was arrested by the Clifton Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana).
March 19, 2022 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center visitors Gloria Berkley and Keosha Dennis were arrested by the Trousdale County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility, possession w/intent schedule VI, and possession w/intent schedule I (fentanyl, marijuana).
March 19, 2022 - Northeast Correctional Complex visitor Christa Watson was arrested during a vehicle search by the Tennessee Highway Patrol for introduction of contraband into a penal facility, possession of schedule II, possession of schedule III, possession of schedule VI, and possession of drug paraphernalia (marijuana, methamphetamine, suboxone, tobacco)
March 13, 2022 - Northwest Correctional Complex visitor Janell Griffin was arrested by the TIptonville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
March 13, 2022 - Turney Center Industrial Complex visitor Joshua Johnson was arrested for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession w/intent to deliver.
March 10, 2022 - While making a delivery to the Turney Center Industrial Complex, driver Steven Taylor was arrested and transported to the Hickman County Jail for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana).
March 9, 2022 - South Central Correctional Facility Recreation Coordinator Brandie Spiessens was arrested by the Clifton Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and schedule II drugs w/intent to deliver (methamphetamine).
March 7, 2022 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center Correctional Officer Erica Vaughn was arrested by the Trousdale County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana).
March 6, 2022 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility visitor Tessa Barton was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (tobacco and unknown pills).
March 5, 2022 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center visitor Loreli Stores was arrested by the Trousdale County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
February 20, 2022 - South Central Correctional Facility visitor Kiona Gardner was arrested by the Clifton Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (cellphone, marijuana, suboxone strips, white powdery substance).
February 19, 2022 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center visitor Hilary Avans was arrested by the Trousdale County Sheriff's Office for introduction of contraband into a pena facility and possession of marijuana with intent to sell (tobacco, marijuana, unknown substance).
February 7, 2022 - Christopher Watkins was arrested by the Clifton Police Department and charged with possession and attempted introduction of contraband into a penal facility (package containing drugs, cell phones, tobacco) at the South Central Correctional Facility.
February 5, 2022 - Sando Boima, Jr. was arrested by the Mountain City Police and charged with criminal trespassing and introduction of contraband into a penal facility (tobacco) at the Northeast Correctional Complex.
January 2, 2022 - Morgan County Correctional Complex visitor Kerria Webb was arrested by the Morgan County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and manufacture & delivery of schedule I.
January 2, 2022 - Morgan County Correctional Complex visitor Misty Shinlever was arrested by the Morgan County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility, manufacture and deliver of schedule I, and manufacture and deliver of schedule II.
December 29, 2021 - West Tennessee State Penitentiary TRICOR employee Latonda Foster was by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (cell phone).
December 5, 2021 - Women's Therapeutic Residential Center visitor Tabatha Beardon was arrested by TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility, felony possession of schedule I drugs, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia (methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia).
December 2, 2021 - During an operation conducted by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct and the result of Bledsoe County Grand Jury indictments, civilians Betty Jo Poe, Rocky Renfro, and Amber Lawson were apprehended and booked into the Bledsoe County Jail for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and conspiracy.
November 24, 2021 - During a quarterly vehicle search at South Central Correctional Facility, citizen Timothy Pearcy was arrested by the Clifton Police Department for felony possession of meth w/intent to manufacture/sell/deliver schedule II, possession schedule VI w/intent to resell, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
October 24, 2021 - Bledsoe County Correctional Complex visitor Bridget Moore was arrested for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and transported to the Bledsoe County Detention Center (suboxone strips).
October 16, 2021 - Northwest Correctional Complex visitor Jennifer Helms was arrested by the Tiptonville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (syringes, pills, marijuana and methamphetamines).
October 9, 2021 - Women's Therapeutic Residential Center visitor Richard Henley was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for possession of schedule I drugs w/intent to deliver and introduction of contraband into a penal facility (methamphetamine).
September 14, 2021 - Dtairyus Warren was arrested at the Turney Center Industrial Complex by the Hickman County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana).
September 12, 2021 - Northwest Correctional Complex visitor Tanisha Wilkes was arrested by the Tiptonville Police Department for simple possession of marijuana during a routine vehicle search.
September 12, 2021 - Northwest Correctional Complex visitor Shalonda Peak was arrested by the Tiptonville Police Department during a routine vehicle search for possession with intent to distribute.
September 12, 2021 - Northwest Correctional Complex visitor Aveline Turner was arrested by the Tiptonville Police Department during a routine vehicle search for introduction of contraband.
September 4, 2021 - West Tennessee State Penitentiary visitor Elizabeth Henderson was arrested for introduction of contraband into a penal facility, possession of schedule II, and possession of schedule VI.
August 29, 2021 - Morgan County Correctional Complex visitor Kambria Thomas was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (package containing 2.05 oz. methamphetamines and .95 oz. marijuana).
August 29, 2021 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Santarius Smith was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (5 cigars and one phone charger).
August 8, 2021 - Whiteville Correctional Facility visitor Briana Jackson was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (100 30mg oxycodone tablets).
July 29, 2021 - Citizens Brittany Cooper, Normarie Nazario, Charjuan Hayes, and Jessica White were arrested by the Bledsoe County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility at the Bledsoe County Correctional Complex.
June 26, 2021 - During a quarterly vehicle search at the Northwest Correctional Complex, visitor Ramona Hudson was arrested by the Tiptonville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (36 grams marijuana, 37 grams cocaine, and 93 grams of tobacco).
May 28, 2021 - Whiteville Correctional Facility Maintenance Clerk Birdie Herman was arrested by the Whiteville Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
May 15, 2021 - John Hooks and Lee Summerhour were arrested for introduction of contraband into a penal facility by the Morgan County Sheriff's Department.
May 5, 2021 - Women's Therapeutic Residential Center Correctional Officer Alexandria Smith was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility and possession of drugs.
April 18, 2021 - South Central Correctional Facility visitor Gethsmane Stewart was arrested by the Clifton Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
January 28, 2021 - Turney Center Industrial Complex contract employee Antonio Warlick with EDL Logistics was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for possession of controlled subsstance, possession and resale of cocaine, introduction of contraband into a penal facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
January 22, 2021 - Morgan County Correctional Complex Food Stewart Merenda Sue Jones was arrested by the Morgan County Sheriff's Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (marijuana).
January 17, 2021 - Trousdale Turner Correctional Center Correctional Officer Joseph Blayde was arrested by the Westmoreland Police Department for introduction of contraband into a penal facility (schedule VI drugs), reckless driving, and DUI.
January 15, 2021 - Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Correctional Officer William Chamberland was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility, schedule III, and schedule VI drugs.
January 10, 2021 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility Case Manager Destiny Young-Jones was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.
January 10, 2021 - Hardeman County Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Perrion Capshaw was arrested by the TDOC Office of Investigations and Conduct for introduction of contraband into a penal facility.