A Jefferson County Jailer is facing charges for furnishing prohibited articles, possession of controlled substance into a correctional facility.

The arrests followed an on-going undercover investigation at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center (DBDC).

According to the sheriff’s office, Lecora Rene Hawkins, 36 was arrested and booked into the DBDC today at 11:08 a.m. on probable cause for furnishing prohibited articles, possession of controlled substance into a correctional facility.

Hawkins is accused of bringing contraband into the jail.

“The issue of furnishing contraband into any detention or correctional facility is extremely serious,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. “As a state mandate, deputy jailers who are hired are required to complete a minimum of 56 hours of jail training; however, we require each of our deputy jailers to complete 72 hrs. During that training, jailers are warned repeatedly that if they allow themselves to be coerced or conspire with anyone especially a detainee to bring contraband into our detention facilities that they will suffer the consequences of their actions. The issue of contraband being introduced into our detention facility is challenging and threatening not only to the safety and security of the facility but those who work and are detained there. This is all the reason why we conduct these undercover operations on a routine basis and train our staff during jail training. We will pursue charging with maximum penalty for anyone that violate the p olicies or our jail without exception.”

If convicted, Hawkins faces a minimum sentence of 5 to 20 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections. According to Arkansas Code Annotated A.C.A. § 5-54-119 is listed as a Class B Felony.

Additional arrests and charges are looming as this investigation is on-going, said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Operations Commander, Major Randy Dolphin.