Seven people have been arrested as part of a multi-agency investigation headed by the Office of the Inspector General into an alleged contraband network inside the Barry B. Telford Unit, a state prison institution in Bowie County.
On Wednesday, April 9, law enforcement authorities executed seven felony arrest warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into organized attempts to smuggle illegal items into the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facility. The investigation, which included state, municipal, and federal agencies, centered on a handful of current jail employees accused of participating in the conspiracy.
Several Telford Unit employees, including Correctional Officers Mondraesha Quanee Davis, Joshua Demond David Johnson, Alexis Michelle Gregory, and Catherine Rene Davis, as well as Correctional Captain Jessica Nichole Ricks and Correctional Sergeant Kimberly Renee Edwards, have been arrested and charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.
Additionally, Correctional Officer Brittanee Wade is facing several felony charges, including bribery, marijuana possession, and introducing prohibited substances into a correctional facility.
Seven search warrants were also executed at private homes in conjunction with the arrests.
Officials say the operation is part of an aggressive campaign to combat corruption and defend the integrity of Texas prisons.
“Corruption will not be tolerated within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,” said Eric Nichols, chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. “We are grateful for the diligent work of the OIG team and our law enforcement partners.”
OIG Inspector General Lance Coleman underscored the agency’s dedication to holding correctional officers accountable. “These arrests reflect countless hours of investigative work,” he added, praising local and federal partners such as the Bowie County District Attorney’s Office, Texarkana police departments on both sides of the state line, the FBI, US Marshals, and several other organizations.
TDCJ Executive Director Bryan Collier noted that ensuring the safety and security of jail facilities is a primary responsibility. “We will continue to take strong action against anyone who compromises the security of our system by introducing contraband,” warned the chairman.
The investigation has not been completed.
