Mississippi Correctional Officers Arrested in Multiple Contraband-Smuggling Investigations Across State

State and local authorities arrested several correctional officers across Mississippi after searches of work bags, personal vehicles and on-entry scans turned up large quantities of drugs, dozens of cellphones and a bottle of Everclear, prompting lockdowns at multiple facilities and at least one dismissal.

At Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County, three MDOC corporals were taken into custody after investigators found contraband in separate searches of their belongings. Jackson resident Sherry McCollum, 49, who had worked for the Mississippi Department of Corrections since February 2023, was arrested after authorities said searches turned up four cellphones, 232 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 76 grams of marijuana and food items including a steak and objects resembling sausages wrapped in tape. Jackson resident Kiarra Michael, 33, employed by MDOC since July 2023, was arrested after authorities reported finding 10 cellphones and a wall charger in her bag; she was released on bond. Vicksburg resident Theresa Hasty, 33, who had been on the job since November 2023, was apprehended after a search allegedly revealed a 30.4 fluid ounce bottle of Everclear; Hasty faces charges tied to alcohol in a facility and conspiracy. Mississippi Department of Corrections officials said charges were filed this week and emphasized prosecution and disciplinary action. MDOC Commissioner Burl Cain said, "Regretfully, sometimes our employees cross the line, and we must send a message introducing contraband into our facilities will not be tolerated. We will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law, and the corrupt inmates will receive severe disciplinary action."

In Marion County, investigators at the Marion County Regional Correctional Facility in Columbia traced an inmate's cellphone to staff and arrested Marcy Parker, 34, of Columbia on one count of introduction of contraband and one count of conspiracy. Bond was set at $25,000 at her first appearance, and Parker bonded out; she has been dismissed from her position. Maj. Zack Guidroz of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said the trail began when an inmate was found with a cellphone, that the investigation uncovered evidence of other contraband being smuggled into the jail, and that the probe is continuing with other arrests likely.

At South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville, a bag scan as an officer reported to work led to the arrest of Megan Deese, 27, of Leakesville. Deese, who had worked for MDOC since February 2014, was found with 22 cellphones, five Bluetooth devices, 10 cell phone batteries, about 1.5 pounds of synthetic marijuana known as spice, and 15 cigars. The department said Deese is facing a criminal charge and possible loss of her job; MDOC officials reported she is the sixth person arrested at SMCI and the eighth overall on contraband-related charges since April 21, and that lockdowns at SMCI and Unit 30 at Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman will continue.

Lafayette County law enforcement also moved in on a related allegation. The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department took Everlean Boston, 49, into custody at her Oxford residence; the department named Boston in an arrest notice but did not provide charges or a seized-item inventory in the available statement. That arrest appears distinct from the CMCF cases despite a coincidental matching age reported in other investigations.

Taken together, the incidents affected multiple sites including Quick Bed B Building D Zone at CMCF, which was added to the list of lockdown areas after discovery of cellphones, spice and other items. MDOC Commissioner Marshall Fisher addressed complaints about inmate restrictions tied to the contraband, saying, "I have heard people complaining that we are taking inmates' privileges when officers are the ones bringing in contraband. I take those allegations seriously, and have a zero tolerance for such criminal offenses." Law enforcement officials in Marion County and at affected facilities said investigations are ongoing and that additional charges and administrative actions are possible.