Four accused of conspiring to bring drugs into Orleans Justice Center

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — Two Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, a former deputy and an inmate at the Orleans Justice Center are accused of conspiring to bring drugs into the jail.

According to the OPSO, the charges come following an investigation into the possible introduction of contraband into the jail starting in May.

During the investigation, OPSO officials said that Deputy Thomya Bryant, 25, told investigators that she allegedly gave an inmate about four hollow ink pens that contained suboxone strips.

The OPSO also reported that Deputy Giona Gibson, 22, allegedly intended to bring more hollow pens with suboxone into the jail in April but didn’t go through with it.

OPSO officials said that a former deputy, Dymond Smith, 22, has been charged in connection with her alleged role in providing the drugs. According to the OPSO, Smith “was terminated in December of 2023 for disciplinary infractions.”

Bryant faces charges of introduction of contraband into a correctional facility and malfeasance in office.

Gibson faces charges of criminal conspiracy, malfeasance in office and compounding a felony.

Smith faces charges of public bribery and criminal conspiracy.

Inmate Kevin Ratliff, 33, is facing additional charges of criminal conspiracy and public bribery.

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