An Easterling correctional officer was taken into custody on Sunday after allegedly bringing nearly three dozen cell phones and other contraband into the facility.
According to a deposition in his case file, correctional officer Quindarius Thagard, 27, was found in possession of a clear backpack filled with 32 cell phones, five earbuds, soaked paper, 18 magnets, a gold chain and a phone charger.
Thagard said in a mirandized interview that he had agreed to bring in the contraband in exchange for $10,000.
The deposition notes that “the phones could have been used to facilitate an escape.”
Thagard was taken to the Barbour County Jail where he has been charged with promoting prison contraband I and use of official position for personal gain
“ADOC is committed to enforcing our zero-tolerance policy on contraband and works very hard to eradicate it from our facilities, including by referral for prosecution of those interdicted,” ADOC said in a statement Tuesday.
