Four former Fulton County Jail security officers were charged with supplying contraband, including cell phones and cigarettes, to inmates, as officials reported. The arrests are part of a larger investigation at the facility located on 901 Rice Street. The employees, contracted through Strategic Security, were assigned to the 6th and 7th floors of the jail, where they allegedly engaged in prohibited activities with people they were responsible for overseeing.
The suspects include 34-year-old LaQuna Ballard, 26-year-old Regina Harris, 24-year-old Anizya Silas, and 26-year-old Breaisha Tate. According to a FOX 5 Atlanta report, Ballard is also accused of sending explicit photos and videos to an inmate, while Tate is alleged to have engaged in sexual activity with an inmate and receiving payment for providing six cellphones. Sheriff Pat Labat condemned the conduct, stating, "These women unfortunately chose to be on the wrong side of the law by fraternizing with residents. They will now have to face the consequences for the crimes they are accused of committing."
Breaisha Tate, in particular, has been charged with multiple offenses. She faces three counts of improper sexual contact by employee or agent second degree, five counts of crossing guard lines of jail with prohibited items, and two counts of possession of prohibited items by inmate or providing prohibited items to inmate. "Our employees and contractors alike are held to high standard of integrity," said Sheriff Patrick Labat, emphasizing the gravity of the breach of trust. This sentiment was echoed in a statement acquired by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Along with the ex-security officers, four inmates have been charged in connection with the contraband investigation. They are facing charges of conspiracy to commit a felony and possession of prohibited items. As the investigation proceeds, the possibility of additional charges being filed remains. The Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed whether further employees or inmates are involved, but they have affirmed that the investigation is ongoing. The involvement of inmates in this scheme highlights the complex challenges of maintaining integrity within correctional facilities.
