4 Anne Arundel Detention Officers Indicted In Smuggling Sting

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- An Anne Arundel County detention center is under fire. Four of their officers arrested, accused of running an elaborate scheme to smuggle illegal contraband into the jail.

Rick Ritter has more on the charges.

This is a 61-count indictment against four officers. Authorities say they smuggled all sorts of items inside the jail for inmates, including cell phones. It's a scheme they believe only lasted a few months.

Behind barbwire, a 90-day investigation reveals alleged corruption at the Jennifer Road Detention Center.

"I'm horrified at the apparent breach of public trust that we just learned about," said Steve Schuh, Anne Arundel County Executive.

Leading to the arrest of four officers, who authorities say ran an elaborate scheme inside the jail.

"These allegations strike a blow at the public confidence and integrity of our exceptional county detention system," said Wes Adams, Anne Arundel County State's Attorney.

On January 26, police are tipped off about possible corruption at the facility.

Investigators say on several occasions, they found illegal contraband being smuggled into the Anne Arundel County Detention Center and then given to inmates in exchange for money.

"It was dropped off in pre-determined locations and then later retrieved," said Lt. T.J. Smith, Anne Arundel County Police Department. "So that's some of the ways they were able to get contraband into the location."

Authorities say food, cigarettes and even cell phones were just some of the illegal contraband smuggled into the detention center.

"Cell phones in our jail present a huge threat to the administration of justice in our county."

A grand jury indicts all four officers on criminal charges, including misconduct in office, bribery, and for some, possession and delivery of contraband.

On Tuesday, the four were arrested at work without incident.

"We believe it's isolated to this group of four and not a widespread problem to our jails," Lt. Smith said.

Both Catherine Windsor and James Newsome Jr. have only been with the Department of Detention Facilities for two years, but Kenyatta Trotter and Grayling Jackson are both 17-year veterans.

The four arrested are now on administrative leave without pay. If convicted, authorities say the group could end up behind bars at the same detention center they work at.

"I am disappointed in the actions of these four Detention Officers, but information pertaining to improper conduct will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action, including criminal prosecution, will be taken," said Terry Kokolis, Superintendent of the Anne Arundel County Department of Detention Facilities. "More importantly, their actions are not reflective of the honest and hardworking staff assigned to the Department of Detention Facilities."

"I appreciate the collaboration provided by both the Anne Arundel County Police Department and the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office in sending a strong message to ensure public safety is not compromised," Kokolis added.

WJZ stopped by one of the 17-year veteran's homes--Mr. Grayling Jackson. He answered the door, but declined to comment.

The four officers are expected to be arraigned within the next few weeks. The maximum sentence on some charges could range anywhere between 3 to 12 years.

Investigators say they don't believe any other detention officers are involved in the alleged scheme.