Former Texas Correctional Officers Involved in Massive Contraband Smuggling Operation

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice recently disclosed the identities of seven individuals charged with smuggling cell phones, illegal narcotics, and synthetic drugs into the Mark W. Michael Unit in Tennessee Colony, Texas.

Two of these members formerly worked for TDCJ as correctional officers.

The Sting Operation that Shocked Authorities

A high-intensity sting operation was conducted by TDCJ after learning that drones were being used to deliver contraband to prisoners detained at the Michael Unit. Packages that were seized included over 100 cell phones, large quantities of methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoids, and other narcotics, according to TDCJ.

A total of seven individuals were discovered to have been involved in the operation. The full list of names can be found on the TDCJ press release.

Two names on the list, Mari Cazares from Dallas and Janet Gutherie from DeKalb, happened to be former TDCJ correctional officers.

A search warrant was obtained for Cazares' apartment and police were able to confirm their suspicions. It was here where they found 30 pounds of tobacco, four brand new cell phones along with receipts for dozens more that were recently purchased.

Multiple packs of Bluetooth earbuds were also found, including about 50 bags meant to look exactly like the ones used by inmates for transporting their clothing within the unit.

Inspector General Lance Coleman issued a direct statement to any who wish to break the law:

Let this be a clear warning: if you try to smuggle contraband into TDCJ correctional facilities, you will be caught and you will be held accountable.

For more information on how Texas punishes contraband smuggling and what counts as illegal goods in prisons, you can visit the Texas-based attorney's website with Doug Murphy Law.