Dec. 14, 2011 —
Most people probably don’t think about the dangers criminals pose once they have been incarcerated.
But some do and that line of thought is what led to a contraband sting in the Greenup County Detention Center.
Last week, an inmate at the Carter County Detention Center received a message from a cell phone.
Using the new Telmate technology, deputies were able to determine that the call was coming from an inmate inside the GCDC.
“Inmate-to-inmate communication is prohibited because it’s dangerous,” said Lt. Shawn Moore, CCDC investigating officer. “Cell phones are also considered contraband because they can be used to coordinate riots, escapes, and a host of dangerous activities.”
By listening to inmate calls, all of which are recorded, Moore was able to determine a future arranged call time and alerted Greenup County Jailer Mike Worthington.
“I was waiting for the call to start,” Worthington said. “After we confirmed that he was on the phone we went out and got him.”
Worthington intends to charge the inmate with promoting dangerous contraband but has up to a year to formally press charges.
“He was obviously only thinking of himself,” Worthington said. “We think a member of his family brought the cell phone to him. If inmates didn’t think of just themselves, they wouldn’t be in jail in the first place.”
Contraband is a major issue at both Greenup and Carter facilities and fighting it is a non-stop job.
“The only way to slow it down is to be hyper-vigilant,” said Carter Jailer R.W. Boggs. “Telmate is the most sophisticated inmate technology that is available out there right now and we are very fortunate to have it in Carter County.”
Worthington said the contraband problem in Greenup can be attributed in part to a lack of prosecution in the past.
“This was an opportunity to show the inmates and people on the outside that it will not be tolerated,” he added.
Leeann Akers can be reached at lakers@journal-times.com or by telephone at 474-5101.
Local News
Technology, cooperation lead to contraband sting
- Local News
-
-
Judge-executive drops jail bombshell
Carter Judge-Executive Charles Wallace unleashed a firestorm of controversy at Tuesday’s meeting of Carter Fiscal Court. Wallace brought forth county ordinances 202 and 203, both of which could have serious ramifications on the operation of the Carter County Detention Center, as well as the office of county jailer.
-
Grand jury indicts 14
David White, Sr., 69, of Morehead, was indicted April 27 on three felony sex charges. White faces one charge of first degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony, for having sexual contact with a person under 12 years of age.
-
Going to the dogs: K-9 unit joins Carter County sheriff’s office
The Carter County Sheriff’s Department has two new deputies but only one of them can talk. Last week, Judge Rupert Wilhoit swore in Deputy Todd Collier and his K-9, Toccoa.
-
Grayson Council talks streets
Grayson City Council once again found itself back on the topic of streets during this month’s meeting. The city currently is considering its options regarding an alley connected to Carol Malone Boulevard near College Street.
-
Four post offices may reduce window hours
Only two Carter County post offices were on the original list of 3,700 being considered for closure by the U. S. Postal Service (USPS), but as many as four may see a reduction of their window service hours. The USPS announced last week that post offices at Grahn, Hitchins, Soldier and Willard could have their weekday window hours reduced as a cost-saving measure.
-
Fatal crash closes east I-64 in Rowan County
One person was killed and two others were injured Sunday afternoon in an auto and semi-truck collision in Rowan County that closed eastbound I-64 at the 131 mile marker.
Kentucky State Police detoured traffic onto KY 801 at exit 133 for connection with US 60 at Farmers.
-
KDMC offering free physicals to student athletes
King’s Daughters Medical Center will offer sports physicals to student athletes and cheerleaders in grades 7-12, beginning at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 31, at King’s Daughters Medical Specialties, 609 N. Carol Malone Blvd., Grayson.
-
Video: President Obama endorses same-sex marriage
A day after an amendment banning gay marriage passed in North Carolina, President Barack Obama tells ABC News that he believes same-sex couples should be able to get married.
-
Grayson Chamber discusses Walmart
The Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce held a special meeting Thursday to discuss the potential impact a Walmart Supercenter could have on local businesses.
-
Couple charged with criminal abuse
A Grayson couple has been charged with first degree criminal abuse after their child was found naked in the street.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Judge-executive drops jail bombshell
