Detention Deputies Arrested for Promoting Prison Contraband
Etowah County-Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton announced today that two Detention Deputies with the Etowah County Detention Center have been arrested and charged in connection with promoting prison contraband, felony offenses.
Robert Phillips, of Gadsden, was taken into custody following an internal investigation. Information and tips were received indicating possible contraband activity within the facility. An investigation followed, leading to a shakedown inside the Etowah County Detention Center. During that operation, contraband was located, and evidence pointed to the involvement of a detention deputy. Phillips was interviewed and admitted to bringing contraband into the facility in exchange for cash.
Maya Dudley, of Gadsden has also been arrested and charged with Promoting Prison Contraband and Drug Trafficking. Her arrest stems from the same ongoing investigation, an operation into contraband being introduced into the detention facility.
Sheriff Horton stated, “We will not tolerate this type of behavior from anyone within our ranks. The safety and security of our inmates, deputies, and staff are our top priorities, and we will continue to take every measure necessary to maintain integrity and accountability inside our detention center.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and the contraband recovered is expected to result in additional charges against other individuals.
