Matthew Wade said in his six years as the Sheriff of Calhoun County – he has arrested a total of five corrections’ officers up until this point, and a sixth has now been placed under arrest in connection with a Contraband Conspiracy in the County Jail.

Pierre Bernard Jones had worked at the jail for only a month and during that time, he developed a conspiracy to bring drugs into the jail in exchange for money.  Jones was arrested and charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Controlled Substance Crime and a count of Promoting Prison Contraband 2nd Degree.

Sheriff Wade pointed out that, in today’s world, it’s easier than ever to electronically transfer money – and jail staff received information that Jones was possibly bringing in contraband, and an investigation was immediately launched.

Over the course of that investigation it was learned that several individuals had been working together to smuggle drugs into the jail; some were inmates while some were significant others and family members.  The investigation produced enough evidence to arrest the following individuals. 

LaTasha Renee Nunn – charged with Promoting Prison Contraband 2nd Degree – also Conspiracy to Commit a Controlled Substance Crime;

Kristy Michelle Hass – same charges along with a Probation Violation for Obstructing Justice;

Michael Anthony Mills, an inmate – the same charges; he was in jail when charged; he had previously been arrested by the Anniston Police for Robbery 1st degree, Assault 2nd Degree and Attempting to Elude;

Jeffrey Jamal Briskey, an inmate – same charges – he was already being held in jail on a charge of Capital Murder;

And Braxton Travis Beshears – who is currently in rehab in Tennessee, and has yet to be arrested was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Controlled Substance Crime and Promoting Prison Contraband 2nd Degree.

Sheriff Wade said “Jones’ month long employment with the Sheriff’s Office did a lot of damage to the integrity of the position of corrections officer, and also the facility as a whole.  I’ll also always be transparent with these incidents for two reasons – First, all citizens must have faith in their Sheriff – and second, I want this to be a deterrent for any officer contemplating this type of criminal behavior.  I won’t tolerate, or hide, it.  I will always bring them to justice as I have done in the past.”