Drug-trafficking organization discovered at Houston County jail, sheriff’s office said
.jpg "Investigators charged associates & fired two Houston County jailers after uncovering a drug distribution network in the jail. Investigation remains active.")
An investigation into a drug-trafficking organization at the Houston County jail led to arrests of accomplices, racketeering charges and employee terminations, according to a news release Tuesday from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials investigated the organization under the name “Operation Cellblock Syndicate” for roughly five months.
Miekell Stephens, who was serving traffic and drug possession charges in the Houston County Detention Center, was alleged to have led a drug-trafficking organization, “directing distribution operations from inside the detention facility through outside associates,” the news release from Tuesday said.
He faces an additional charge under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act.
Brittany Smith, Ty’Miere Evans, Julissa Montes, Margaret Phillips and Renee Smith, who were outside of the jail system, were arrested and charged under the RICO Act following search warrants conducted in five residences on May 8.
“During execution of the search warrants, investigators recovered quantities of marijuana, fentanyl, and cocaine, along with several firearms,” the news release said.
Two jailers fired after ‘violations identified’
Daisha O’Daine and Shantess Hart, former jailers at the Houston County Detention Center, were accused of participating in the jail-directed drug trafficking organization, according to the news release.
O’Daine was arrested on May 5 in Monroe County by the Georgia State Patrol for various traffic violations, including speeding, following too closely and window tint. She also was charged with possession of marijuana.
In Houston County, O’Daine faces possession of a Schedule I controlled substance and a violation of oath of office charges, the news release said.
Officials said they expect to charge Hart in connection with “policy violations identified during the course of the investigation,” but she faced no charges as of Wednesday.
Both jailers were fired.
“This investigation demonstrates that incarceration does not place someone beyond the reach of accountability,” Sheriff Matthew Moulton said in the news release. “Individuals who attempt to direct criminal enterprises from inside our detention facility and anyone who assists them, whether on the street or within our own ranks, will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The investigation is active. Additional arrests and charges are pending, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies urge anyone with information to contact the Houston County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Intelligence Unit at 478-922-1313. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
