The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) confirmed the termination and custody of an eleven-year veteran correctional officer at Lewis Prison for his role in the distribution of narcotics within the prison system. The officer, Berman Comon, personally participated in a drug smuggling operation that included fentanyl and heroin for inmate consumption.
FOX 10 Phoenix reports that Comon, a counselor at the facility and formally designated Correctional Officer III, had more access to detainees than regular officers, a privilege he used to carry out these illicit actions. ADCRR discovered evidence, particularly video footage, of him spreading contraband. Following a five-month inquiry, ADCRR fired and arrested Comon in early January. According to reports, no additional ADCRR employees were involved in the plan to gradually identify and then terminate these illicit activities.
On the outside world side of the operation, court documents obtained by ABC15 show that Joy Cuevas, the spouse of one of the involved convicts, is suspected of functioning as the middleman supplier, a role that might extend to her potentially trafficking drugs from outside into Lewis Prison. The sting on her home resulted in not only prison-style cell phones but also a large amount of heroin and drug packaging equipment.
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) takes great pride in the daily dedication and professionalism of its officers in ensuring the safety of the community, staff, and inmates.
Comon is now facing serious felony accusations, including attempting to stubbornly maintain a continuous flow of narcotics into a secured facility, money laundering, conspiracy, and possession and transportation of narcotic drugs. The ADCRR’s investigations expose Comon’s drug-smuggling practices, including his use of styrofoam cups and an ice machine to override the prison’s body scanner during contraband entry.
