Hays State Prison guard accused of smuggling drugs to inmates

Lakeshia Katersa Thomas

Credit: Chattanooga Times Free Press

Credit: Chattanooga Times Free Press

Lakeshia Katersa Thomas

A Hays State Prison guard was arrested Tuesday after allegedly smuggling drugs to inmates, the Rome News-Tribune reported.

Lakeshia Katersa Thomas, a 39-year-old lieutenant at the prison, is accused of bringing drugs to incarcerated gang members in exchange for money, Floyd County jail records show.

Thomas was arrested after authorities discovered marijuana during a search of a Rome home, the newspaper reported. Authorities believe Thomas was trying to smuggle the marijuana to members of the Gangster Disciples street gang.

A Georgia Department of Corrections spokesman said the investigation into the prison guard was led by the FBI, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Thomas is charged with possession of more than an ounce of marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, participating with a criminal street gang, violating her oath of office and trading with inmates, jail records show.

She remains held without bond at the Floyd County Jail. Her first appearance hearing is scheduled for Thursday morning.

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