ST MARTINVILLE, La. (AP) - Fourteen inmates and a former inmate were arrested and accused of distributing drugs and contraband inside a Louisiana correctional center, authorities said.
After a nearly two-month long investigation, 15 people were charged with racketeering for activities that include, manufacturing and distributing Schedule I and IV narcotics and money laundering, the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office told news outlets Monday.
St. Martin Parish Sheriff Office spokeswoman Capt. Ginny Higgins said deputies discovered an elaborate drug ring inside the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center that was carried out by “working inmates” and general population inmates.
The investigation uncovered narcotics, synthetic marijuana and make-shift weapons, authorities said.
Thirteen of those arrested were still incarcerated, including 23-year-old Kieon Alexander, 42-year-old Marshall Alexander, 42-year-old Quincy Alexander, 33-year-old Hayven Augillard, 40-year-old Joshua Dardar, 21-year-old Austin Granger, 49-year-old Arlondo Henson, 19-year-old Brenan Jean Batiste, 38-year-old Homer John, 27-year-old Kentrell Ledet, 21-year-old Demarcus Smith, 21-year-old Javonty Williams, and 39-year-old Gerald Zenon.
Daylon Alexander, 40, was previously held at the St. Martin Parish Correctional Center but had been extradited to a correctional facility in Texas. He will be sent back St. Martin at an unknown date.
Danah Thibodeaux, 29, was released before the investigation ended. He was arrested Monday.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely, Higgins said.
It’s unclear whether any of the men have attorneys who could comment on their behalf.
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