Holly MatkinRaymond, MS – Three Hinds County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) detention officers were arrested while on-duty Tuesday for allegedly smuggling contraband into the jail facility where they worked.
The HCSO Criminal Investigations Division, Narcotics Division and Patrol Division made the arrests on March 28 as part of Operation Contraband Crackdown, WLBT reported.
Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones said the focus of the sting was to locate contraband and other illegal items and to intercept them before they were introduced into the Raymond Detention Center lockup facility, according to WJTV.
Sheriff Jones said the operation was a success and that a significant amount of contraband was recovered, including fentanyl, prescription pills, marijuana, tobacco lighters, and a cell phone.
Investigators also seized a Glock pistol from a vehicle out in the jail parking lot and located approximately $4,500 in cash believed to be tied to the smuggling operation, according to WJTV.
The bust resulted in the arrests of 44-year-old HCSO Detention Sergeant Harry Rutledge, 27-year-old HCSO Detention Officer Arkeisha Martin, and 27-year-old HCSO Detention Officer Kayla Sims, WLBT reported.
Detention Officer Martin and Detention Sgt. Rutledge were both charged with felony introduction of contraband to a penal facility and felony conspiracy to introduce contraband to a penal facility.
Detention Officer Sims was charged with felony introduction of contraband to a penal facility.
Three HCSO Detention Officers arrested last night during contraband operation at the Raymond DC, Harry Rutledge, Arkeisha Martin and Kayla Sims. Tobacco, fentanyl, marijuana, prescription pills, lighters were interrupted and recovered. A pistol and $4,500.00 was also seized. pic.twitter.com/Aiwqvv4ZkH
— TyreeJonesSheriff (@TyreeSheriff) March 29, 2023
All three suspects were on duty at the Raymond Detention Center at the time of their arrests, WLBT reported.
They have been placed on paid administrative leave pending termination of their employment.
Sheriff Jones said additional charges and arrests may be forthcoming as the investigation continues, WJTV reported.
The Raymond Detention Center is a medium-security facility capable of holding up to 600 inmates, according to StateCourts.org.
