A Sedgwick County Detention Deputy is facing charges after a major security breach at the jail.
Sheriff Easter says that on July 17, inmates were able to take a pipe from a common area and make a hole in a window inside a cell. This hole is described as being about the size of a fist, which would allow larger contraband items to be brought into the jail. Easter says inmates were able to use the jail phones to coordinate with people outside to bring them contraband, which was brought up through the window with a sheet. Cell phones and marijuana were brought in using this method. An investigation revealed several more drops were planned the same day, which included a handgun, but these were prevented. The cell where the hole was made has been closed off.
During an investigation, it was learned the detention deputy who was in charge of the area where this happened saw the whole thing take place, and took no action to prevent it. Easter says the deputy did not inform anyone, and did not give an accurate account of what happened when questioned. This deputy has since been arrested for misconduct, conspiracy to traffic contraband, and trafficking contraband. This person had been with the Sheriff’s Office for six months.
Sheriff Easter also says about 20 shanks had been produced in the jail over the past weeks. This is all believed to be tied to gang activity and a riot in Lansing. Easter says two gang leaders involved were previously housed in Sedgwick County.
Deputies have since searched the entire jail. Found contraband included a handcuff key, K2, fentanyl pills, and lighter, and metal items that can be used to make more shanks. The metal items are described as strike plates from doors, capable of causing serious injuries.
While all this was going on, it was learned fentanyl pills were introduced into another area. While monitoring cameras, an inmate was seen lying on the ground in a gym area, and another inmate started doing CPR. The inmate who had overdosed was given four doses of Narcan, and has since been hospitalized and is back in jail.
Sheriff Easter says several investigations are ongoing. There are also plans to install devices to prevent contraband cell phones from being used, and to install additional fencing around outside windows.
