FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Six arrests have been made after a contraband investigation at the Fulton County Jail, the sheriff's office announced Friday.
The arrests made include four employees with Summit Correctional Services, the Fulton County Jail’s food service contractor, a former inmate out on bond, and a detention officer at the Rice Street Jail.
An investigation began back in late December 2023 -- when cartons of cigarettes were discovered in a food tray on one of the housing floors at the Rice Street Jail, according to the sheriff's office.
"The investigation has revealed an organized network that has profited at least six figures over the course of one year," the sheriff's office said in a release.
Two guns (one stolen), marijuana, a drone and approximately $4,500 were also seized, the sheriff's office added.
Those arrested face a number of charges, including obtaining, procuring, giving inmates tobacco/ tobacco products without authorization, crossing guard lines of a correctional institution, and prohibited items and substances.
The sheriff's office said the detention officer, who was arrested and terminated on Friday, faces two counts of violation of oath by a public officer, two counts of obtaining for, procuring for, or giving an inmate tobacco or tobacco products without consent of jailer and one count of participation in criminal gang activity prohibited.
Additional charges are also pending.
“I am committed to our team thoroughly investigating allegations of criminal behavior by contractors, employees, and inmates alike. This investigation uncovered a network of bad actors with ill-intentions,” Sheriff Patrick “Pat” Labat said in the release. “The introduction of contraband into our facilities threatens the safety and security of the inmates in our care and custody, as well as our staff. We will continue to investigate these crimes and bring these offenders to justice.”