A former Dyer County correctional officer has been sentenced to federal prison for attempting to smuggle contraband into the county jail. Tyrell Wallace was caught in October 2024 with a range of illicit substances, including methamphetamine, marijuana, fentanyl pills, crack cocaine, Suboxone strips, a cellphone, and a loaded handgun, as he reported for his shift.
Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box commented on the sentencing in a statement obtained by Action News 5, saying, “Wallace’s actions violated the law and betrayed the trust placed in him as a correctional officer.” He added that the sentence underscores the department’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and the safety of the community and correctional facilities.
Wallace was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of felony probation upon his release. FOX13 Memphis reported that he was apprehended while attempting to bring a loaded handgun, 40 rounds of ammunition, and various narcotics into the jail.
According to WREG, the Dyer County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation following concerns about Wallace’s conduct, which led to his arrest as he was about to begin his night shift.
