ATLANTA — A former inmate, a jail food service contractor, a detention officer and multiple correctional employees were arrested in a contraband probe at the Fulton County Jail, authorities said.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said Friday the investigation against the group started in December 2023, when cigarette cartons were found in a food tray on one of the jail housing floors. Authorities did not share further details on the matter.
“The investigation has revealed an organized network that has profited at least six figures over the course of one year,” authorities said in a news release.
Four of those arrested were employees of Summit Correctional Services, which began its contract with the Rice Street jail on April 1, 2023.
“The former food services contract was held by Aramark. All four Summit employees arrested worked in the facility for Aramark and were retained by Summit under the new contract,” authorities said in the release.
Additionally, the sheriff’s office said a detention officer – whom they identified as Tiffany Davis – met with former inmate Vanlen Preston while he was detained at the jail. The encounter happened sometime after Davis was hired on Dec. 7, 2022.
The pair developed a relationship, staying in contact after Preston was released on bond in September 2023, authorities said.
Authorities executed a search warrant Friday at Davis’ home in South Fulton, where Preston also lived, authorities said.
The following items were seized during the search, per authorities:
- Two firearms, with one being stolen
- Marijuana
- Drone
- About $4,500 in U.S. currency
The six people were arrested on the following charges, per authorities:
- Richard Smith, Summit warehouse supervisor/driver, arrested on Jan. 4
- three counts obtain/procure/give inmate tobacco/tobacco product without authorization; one count crossing guard lines of correctional institution, prohibited items, substances; one count possession of marijuana, less than one ounce
- Tiffany Anderson, Summit food…
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