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More arrests possible in jail contraband case, St. Landry sheriff says
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- A corrections officer and an alleged "significant narcotics dealer" have been arrested in connection with a scheme to smuggle drugs into the St. Landry Parish Jail. The investigation is far from over, according to the sheriff, and more arrests are possible.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said the information that detectives have gathered is "definitely worth pursuing."
"More charges will be filed. More corrections officers will be terminated," the sheriff said.
Corrections deputy Timothy Lazare, 36, of Opelousas, was the first to be arrested in the case. He was charged with two counts of malfeasance in office, and one count each of criminal conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility and introducing contraband into a penal facility.
The second arrest was made shortly later. Nicklous Thomas, 37, of Eunice, has been described by the sheriff's office as being a "significant narcotics dealer" and was allegedly arrested with more than $12,000 cash in his possession. He faces charges of criminal conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility, distribution of Schedule I drugs, distribution of Schedule III drugs and distribution of Schedule IV drugs.
Guidroz said when he hires correctional officers that if they bring contraband into the jail, he'll arrest them and put them on the 6 o'clock news.
"And it doesn't scare them off. You know, it doesn't scare them one bit. And I really mean that," Guidroz said.
The investigation of the alleged contraband scheme began after his office received word that inmates in the jail were communicating with someone on the outside and forming a plan to get drugs in, the sheriff said.
Lazare is accused of helping get drugs into the facility.
Guidroz said it is disappointing and discouraging when one of his employees are doing and causing harm.
"They don't realize the harm that they're doing when they bring contraband into this jail. Everybody's life that works there or in that immediate area of their life is compromised because somebody brought in some illegal drugs," he said.