Promoting Prison Contraband

[Waxd0g]

Colbert County Jailer Charged with Taking Money

September 19, 2008

NewsChannel 19's

It's not unusual for a jailer to be at a jail. However, one guard in Colbert County found himself in a new position, behind bars, facing criminal charges.

Tony Wayne Chaney, 21, of Sheffield is charged with second-degree promoting prison contraband, which is a Class C felony.

Chaney worked as a Colbert County jailer since November of 2007. He's accused of taking money from an inmate to purchase a cell phone.

"He asked for the money up front and he was given the money," explains Sheriff Ronnie May. "At the time Mr. Chaney was leaving work, he was stopped."

Sheriff May says at the time of the arrest, officers found about $100 in cash, plus a bag of marijuana in Chaney's pants pocket and more inside his car.

In the last three to four months, May said officers had been finding more contraband than normal in the jail, including four to six cell phones. He said they also heard rumors about the purchase of marijuana. That's what led them to Chaney.

"We talked to him, interviewed him and he's basically admitted to what he was doing simply for the extra cash," says May.

Sheriff May is also concerned about how this will reflect on the other employees.

"I hate the impression it's going to leave on the other personnel there, because at this point we don't have any other indication that anyone else is involved," says May.

Sheriff May says he has already requested an updated camera system to monitor activity in the jail and reduce contraband. That request comes at a high cost, at least $30,000 and must be approved by the county commission.

In an effort to keep contraband out of the jail, the sheriff says he's also considering implementing a random drug testing and polygraph testing policy for jail employees.

[Iowa #1603]

What a dolt

[JCoffin]

Wow... He could have just asked for some OT.

[cellsearch]

There is no excuse for smuggling contraband.He put the lives of brother officers at risk.We really are our own worst enemy.

[GUNNER]

What an Idiot. I think they should make smuggling a death penalty charge. Maybe this would convince some not to try, or maybe some wouldn't even apply for such a job.

[COintheWoods]

Wouldn't the money they're spending on cameras and polygraphs and UAs of staff be better spent on either things needed to recruit better staff in the first place -- better pay and benefits, for example -- or better training to prevent this kind of thing?

[shakedownshorti]

He'll be getting something besides extra cash now!!!! What a Big Dummy!!!