JEFFERSON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — Several jailers in Jefferson County Sheriff's Office now find themselves on the other side of the law.
Recent internal investigations at the jail led to the arrests of two employees, who officials said smuggled contraband into the facility.
According to a report from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Miakia Ellis was arrested on Nov. 16, 2024, shortly after she arrived for her shift as a jailer.
Ellis was the subject of a three week investigation conducted by investigators with the Tri-County Drug Task Force and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division.
When she arrived to work, Ellis was searched and authorities found that she had "possession of approximately 115 grams of suspected marijuana, smoking papers, lighters, a phone charger and cell phones."
Ellis wasn't the only one that was arrested on suspicion of contraband though as Zhane Johnson was arrested at the same facility on Nov. 22, 2024.
According to the sheriff's office, Johnson was found to be a suspect in an ongoing investigation and was booked on charges of criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communication device.
According to Maj. John Bean with the the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, they're deeply saddened by this investigation and the fact they've had to arrest some of their own.
"It's a betrayal of trust and it does call for alarm, because we are entrusted by the citizens to not only serve and protect but take care of those detainees as well," Bean said.
Now you as a viewer, you may be wondering how something like this happens inside the jail. Well, according to Bean, there are multiple ways and reasons.
"They're bringing it in because they know the person, maybe they went to school with them, or knew him from the streets, or just got close to them in a working environment, and there are times when money is offered, but both of those happen," Bean said.
Maj. Bean said that while these jailers were fellow coworkers, they've been entrusted to uphold the law and safety of the community.
"We wish we could say that it doesn't happen in our jail, but it does, just because there are humans working at the jail," he said. "I'm just thankful that we have a dedicated staff here who continue to come in and do it right and do it to the best of their ability."
Sheriff Layfette Woods Jr. also released a statement on the arrest as well, thanking investigators for the "many hours" that they dedicated to the case.
"I cannot be prouder of our investigators who devoted many hours and much effort into solving this case which occurred in our jurisdiction as well as seeking to bring justice to those who commit such crimes," Woods Jr. said in a statement. "Their dedication to duty is not only appreciated but vital to serving the citizens of Jefferson County. I am also thankful for the technology we have obtained and used during this investigation which was also vital in identifying suspects."
Both Johnson and Ellis had court appearances on Monday morning and are being held at the local detention center.