Four prison security officers involved in smuggling scandal

Top, left to right: Breaisha Tate and LaQuna Ballard. Bottom, left to right: Regina Harris and Anizya Silas (Fulton County Sheriff

Background: Fulton County Jail (WSB). Insets, clockwise from top left: Breaisha Tate, LaQuna Ballard, Anizya Silas, Regina Harris (Fulton County Sheriff's Office via WSB).

Four prison security guards are accused of smuggling illegal goods as part of a conspiracy to smuggle cell phones, a chicken pie and have sex with an inmate at the troubled Fulton County Jail in Atlanta.

LaQuna Ballard, 34, Regina Harris, 26, Breaisha Tate, 26, and Anizya Silas, 24, are each charged with conspiracy and delivery of prohibited items to an inmate, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The four women were employed by a prison contractor and worked on the sixth and seventh floors of the prison.

“These women unfortunately chose to put themselves on the wrong side of the law by fraternizing with residents they were entrusted with overseeing,” Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said in a statement. “They will now face the consequences for the crimes they are accused of. Our employees and contractors alike are held to a high standard of integrity.”

Ballard is accused of sending explicit photos and videos to an inmate and accepting at least two payments for cell phones and cigarettes from two different residents, officials said.

Tate is also accused of sexual abuse, authorities said. She is accused of having sex with an inmate at least three times and of bringing at least six cell phones and other contraband to an inmate for which she received payment, the sheriff's office said.

Silas is also accused of feeding an inmate an unauthorized meal for staff. Citing court documents, local ABC affiliate WSB reported that the meal was a chicken pie. The station reported that the four suspects were released.

The Fulton County Jail is the subject of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into living conditions, medical and mental health care, excessive use of force and allegations of violence, federal officials said.

The investigation was launched last year after allegations surfaced that an inmate died covered in insects and dirt. In justifying the investigation, the Justice Department also cited credible allegations that “the Fulton County Jail is structurally unsafe, that widespread violence has resulted in serious injuries and murders, and that officers face charges of excessive use of force.”

Labat blamed a lack of staff. Last month, the county commission voted to renovate the jail for $300 million, WSB reported.

The Fulton County Jail is also where the first former President of the United States to face organized crime (RICO) charges turned himself in on August 24, 2023. The proceedings culminated in the release of the famous mug shot of Donald Trump.

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Four prison security officers involved in smuggling scandal

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