Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. announced the early morning arrest of Deputy Jailer Stephen Young, 24, shortly after reporting for work at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center, whereby supervisory staff uncovered a significant amount of contraband in Young’s possession.
Sheriff Woods emphasized the rigorous training provided to deputy jailers at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, exceeding the state mandate by requiring each deputy jailer to complete 72 hours of training. He stated, “during training, jailers are repeatedly warned against allowing themselves to be coerced or conspiring with anyone, especially detainees, to bring contraband into the detention facilities.”
“They’re are informed that severe consequences will follow any such actions. One of the very things our training staff and supervisors stress to applicants during the initial hiring process is that if they are caught bringing contraband into the jail, they will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We have a zero-tolerance policy regarding the introduction of contraband or any unauthorized items.”
Young, who joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on May 8, 2023 and assigned to the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center, was taken into custody upon arriving at work this morning just before 6:30 a.m. Among the contraband seized was over 140 grams (5 ounces) of a green plant-like substance suspected to be marijuana and a rechargeable disposable vape device. Additionally, the search revealed other prohibited items, including tobacco, clear plastic wrap, plastic Ziplock baggies, cigar wraps, and two (2) Tracfone mobile device boxes found in Young’s vehicle.
Young has been booked into the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center on felony probable cause for violations of Arkansas Criminal Code Annotated A.C.A. § 5-54-119 – Furnishing, Possessing, or Using Prohibited Articles, and A.C.A. § 5-64-419 – Possession of a Controlled Substance. These offenses are classified as a Class B Felony and Class C Felony, respectively, carrying a minimum sentence of 5 to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections upon conviction. If convicted, Young may also be subject to an enhancement penalty, not to exceed ten (10) years in prison and a fine of not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), pursuant to A.C.A. § 5-64-412 – Violations by public officials or law enforcement officers – Enhanced penalties for committing a felony violation.
Young is the second of two deputy jailors in less than two months that jail staff intercepted bringing contraband inside the jail. On September 16, 2023, former Deputy Jailer Shacamry Taylor, 26, was also arrested and charged with the criminal offenses Young stands accused of today.
Sheriff Woods continued to express his commitment to the safety and security of the detention facility, stating, “Deputy Young’s arrest was a clear example of a serious breach of policy and a threat to public trust. He went on to say, Young’s arrest, like others in the past, also speaks to our commitment to the public in pursuing charges against those who violate the public’s trust and threaten the security of our detention facilities. Jail staff must understand that they will be caught, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible. Bringing unauthorized items such as drugs and phones into the detention facility threatens the safety and security of our facility as well as that of those who work and are detained therein.”
Sheriff Woods concluded by commending the diligence and attentiveness of Lieutenant Darinda Smith, which averted the delivery of contraband to other detainees. He reiterated the zero-tolerance policy against contraband and the commitment to seeking the maximum penalty possible for those who choose to ignore it and violate the law.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the operation of our detention center and will continue to take decisive action against any violations of our policies or the law.
