Deputies, inmate arrested in Orleans jail contraband case

Two Orleans Parish sheriff’s deputies, a former sheriff’s deputy, and an Orleans Parish Prison inmate are all facing charges in connection to an investigation into contraband that was smuggled into the jail.

According to our partners at NOLA.com, deputies Thomya Bryant and Giona Gibson are accused of smuggling Suboxone strips to an inmate, Kevin Ratliff. Bryant, sheriff’s office officials say, admitted to brining the opioid strips into the jail during an internal affairs interview. Former deputy Dymond Smith, who was fired from the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office in December for disciplinary reasons, was also arrested in connection with the case.

Bryant is facing malfeasance in office and introducing contraband charges. Gibson is facing criminal conspiracy, malfeasance, and compounding a felony charges. Smith is facing public bribery and criminal conspiracy charges.

Ratliff, the inmate accused of receiving the Suboxone strips, has been in the Orleans Parish Prison since last July on an attempted second-degree murder charge. He’s now facing public bribery and criminal conspiracy charges.