Elayn Hunt inmate speaks about prison conditions and access to deadly drugs behind bars

ST. GABRIEL – Since the Investigative Unit’s story about an anonymous Department of Corrections employee who brought to light a rampant drug problem with Elayn Hunt, several other people have come forward to confirm her allegations.

“Elayn Hunt's associate – he was really precise. He was right because everything he said I can relate to,” said one of Hunt's inmates who asked to be identified only as Chris.

Chris has been in prison for over twenty years. He called us from a cell phone in prison to talk about the deplorable conditions he lives in. He sent videos of overflowing toilets with feces flooding the floor, rat and cockroach infestations, and of course, the drugs.

“Since August of last year, there have been one to three fentanyl overdoses every week,” he said. “There can be between 10 and 12 poisonings every day.”

Chris says he knows of five inmates who died of overdoses in prison.

“Guys I’ve known for many, many years.”

Last week, a corrections official told WBRZ that he believed the drugs came from a specific inmate named “TC,” who was free to leave the premises at will. But Chris says there is another source.

“It's not really coming from our people. It's mainly the officers. High-ranking officers.”

Chris' claim that officers were involved in the incident is not a new revelation. The Investigative Unit has reported several arrests in the past. Most recently in 2020, when Correctional Cadet Destanie Ruiz smuggled $100,000 worth of drugs and a gun into the prison. She was filmed dropping off the package. In 2021, Correctional Officer Damesha Johnson was caught with a bundle of drugs during a shift change. In 2023, Prison Guard Nyeisha Davis was caught attempting to smuggle in drugs, including heroin and meth.

“I can assure you one hundred percent that it is the officials who are bringing it in.”

Chris says that if he wanted to, he could easily get his hands on any contraband.

“It would be pretty easy for someone to pick something up, call home and ask their family, send a CashApp or something like that, or pick up some cafeteria or store items.”

Since our report last week, Chris says inmate “TC” has been moved back inside with the other inmates, but still has access to his private dormitory and ATV.

“He still has his ATV on the property that he can ride around on. He can roam freely. He has more freedom than anyone else.”

WBRZ has twice asked DOC for updated inmate death numbers at Elayn Hunt but has not received a response. Last week, a spokesperson confirmed that an investigation into inmate “TC” is ongoing.