Two Correctional Officers arrested in connection with inmate contraband investigation | Crime

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - The Montgomery Police Department says it has arrested two Municipal Correctional Officers following the findings on an investigation into inmate contraband.

Authorities say 30-year-old Meekea Tennille James of Hayneville was arrested and charged with one count of promoting prison contraband, first degree, a Class C felony. Also, 51-year-old Brenda Lee Myrick of Montgomery was arrested and charged with promoting prison contraband, third degree, a misdemeanor.

Montgomery Police initiated the investigation after the department learned this week that an inmate had received contraband that was allegedly provided by correctional officers. MPD's investigation indicated an acquaintance of the inmate's provided the correctional officers with the contraband items that were then smuggled in to the inmate at the Montgomery Municipal Jail.

MPD has not specified the items brought into the jail, but said no weapons were involved.

Montgomery Police Chief Kevin Murphy said inmate possession of contraband items is a serious matter. He commended the work of jail administrators, MPD investigators and the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in this case.

“We are vigilant with regard to the safety and security of the Montgomery Municipal Jail. In this and any other case of alleged wrongdoing, we will vigorously investigate and take appropriate action,” Murphy said. 

In conjunction with the criminal investigation, MPD has initiated termination proceedings against the two correctional officers, both of whom resigned effective immediately.

James and Myrick were transported to the Montgomery County Detention Facility, where James was being held under a $15,000 bond and Myrick was being held under a $3,000 bond. Myrick had been employed as a correctional officer since 2001; James was hired in 2006.