Mocobizscene- A recent investigation by FOX 8 has revealed that the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO) has arrested five jail guards within a span of just over a year for engaging in contraband smuggling.
Five individuals were reportedly compensated with substantial amounts of money, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, in exchange for smuggling drugs into the jail.
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson expressed her lack of knowledge regarding the possible involvement of other guards in the matter.
“The opportunities are present in every agency, be it the Department of Corrections, the local sheriff’s office, or any other holding facility. Incidents like these occur as a result of the individuals within these institutions and their actions, but it is also due to the involvement of certain staff members,” Hutson explained.
FOX 8 recently made a records request to the OPSO following the arrest of recruit Robert Simon in November 2023. Simon is accused of deliberately delaying a response to a jail stabbing and admitting to smuggling drugs to seven inmates on ten separate occasions, for which he received a total of $6,550.
OPSO has shared a list of names and narratives with FOX 8 via email. It is important to note that none of the individuals mentioned in the list are currently associated with OPSO.
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- Maurice Fondren
- Arrested: May 11, 2023
- Charges: Malfeasance in office, 6x Introduce contraband to prison
- Bond: $42,000
- OPSO narrative: Deputy Recruit Fondren admitted to bringing contraband to at least three (3) residents inside of OJC and receiving compensation (via CashApp) ranging between $1000 and $2000. Deputy Recruit Fondren also admitted to receiving a CashApp payment to conduct a delivery on May 3, 2023, but did not follow through with it. Deputy Recruit Fondren added he did not do a meet up to collect the package for delivery.
- Elexis Gardner
- Arrested: June 19, 2023
- Plead guilty and sentenced on Nov. 9, 2023 on three years active probation.
- OPSO narrative: She admitted to receiving $577 USD to introduce contraband into the facility.
- Desteney Wells
- Arrested: Sept. 29, 2023
- Charges: Malfeasance in office, Conspiracy to introduce contraband in a jail, Possession with intent to distribute Suboxone
- Bond: $4,500
- OPSO narrative: Deputy Recruit Wells admitted to accepting $300 USD for the exchange of accepting a package containing suboxone strips, tobacco, and wrapping papers.
- Darriana Burton
- Arrested: Jan. 22, 2024
- Charges: Malfeasance in office, Introduce contraband to prison
- Bond: $5,000
- OPSO narrative: She admitted to possessing a snack bag inside the pod module that consisted of pills, marijuana, and tobacco.
- Maurice Fondren
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- Arrested: May 11, 2023
- Charges: Malfeasance in office, 6x Introduce contraband to prison
- Bond: $42,000
- OPSO narrative: Deputy Recruit Fondren admitted to bringing contraband to at least three (3) residents inside of OJC and receiving compensation (via CashApp) ranging between $1000 and $2000. Deputy Recruit Fondren also admitted to receiving a CashApp payment to conduct a delivery on May 3, 2023, but did not follow through with it. Deputy Recruit Fondren added he did not do a meet up to collect the package for delivery.
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- Arrested: June 19, 2023
- Plead guilty and sentenced on Nov. 9, 2023 on three years active probation.
- OPSO narrative: She admitted to receiving $577 USD to introduce contraband into the facility.
-
- Arrested: Sept. 29, 2023
- Charges: Malfeasance in office, Conspiracy to introduce contraband in a jail, Possession with intent to distribute Suboxone
- Bond: $4,500
- OPSO narrative: Deputy Recruit Wells admitted to accepting $300 USD for the exchange of accepting a package containing suboxone strips, tobacco, and wrapping papers.
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- Arrested: Jan. 22, 2024
- Charges: Malfeasance in office, Introduce contraband to prison
- Bond: $5,000
- OPSO narrative: She admitted to possessing a snack bag inside the pod module that consisted of pills, marijuana, and tobacco.
Hutson mentioned that the jail is implementing new procedures to prevent contraband from entering. However, she acknowledged that the small size of the items makes it easier to smuggle them in. Furthermore, Hutson emphasized that the OPSO staff undergoes background checks and investigations to identify any potential connections they may have with detainees.
“We are implementing all the best practices available to us in order to minimize the spread, but where there is a determination, there is always a solution,” she remarked.
According to Rafael Goyeneche, President of the Metropolitan Crime Commission, the Orleans Parish jail faces challenges due to the close proximity of guards and detainees within the community.
“He said that many inmates and the families of inmates are acquainted with the families of the deputies who work there.”
She expressed uncertainty as to why the arrests do not serve as a deterrent.
“We encourage them to ask questions and seek information,” she explained. “We provide them with education and discuss the potential consequences. When they witness arrests, it serves as a visual reminder. However, it seems that the lure of money is what drives them into engaging in such activities.”
The initial salary for the position is $18 per hour. However, Hutson’s attempt to persuade the New Orleans City Council to raise it to $20 per hour in November 2023 was unsuccessful.
According to her, the jail is currently operating with only 50 percent of its staff, which she attributes to the issue of low pay.
“I’m not sure if we were able to make our case effectively. It’s unclear if the councilmembers truly understand the significance of our argument. I would really appreciate hearing from them directly about the reasons behind their decision,” she expressed.
The OPSO budget saw an increase from 2021 to 2023, with District A City Councilman Joe Giarrusso attributing it to raises given to city employees.
“I haven’t come across any agency that claims to have enough money, so let’s begin by acknowledging that fact. It seems like everyone is in need of more funds. Additionally, let’s not forget that we have provided pay raises to the sheriff, just as we have done for other departments,” he remarked.
Coming shortly after a scandal involving the OPSO splurging on vacant Mardi Gras hotel rooms, it remains uncertain to what degree this incident influenced the council’s decision.
According to Hutson, the majority of the deputies are fulfilling their duties as expected. However, she acknowledges that it is her responsibility to ensure that this is the case.
“They are individuals who come to perform this job, and at times, they make poor choices regarding their actions within the jail. It is my responsibility to recruit, train, and ensure their accountability.”
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