Two former detention officers sentenced in smuggling contraband scheme
Featured Stories June 28, 2023
HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. – An investigation, that began in 2021, into the smuggling of contraband and drugs into Haralson County Detention Center has finally concluded with two Detention Officers sentenced after pleading guilty.
The investigation began in 2021 shortly after Sheriff Stacy Williams took office, according to a release from HCSO.
“The investigation about the smuggling of contraband including drugs into the Haralson County Detention Center was conducted by Captain Edwin Ivey, Investigator Heather Mecillas and two Detention Division Sergeants, Heather Browning, and Callie Chambers,” read the statement.
The investigation revealed a smuggling scheme that involved 11 individuals in total.
Two of those individuals were Detention Officers while another two were identified as inmates, as well as several outside contacts.
One of the Detention Officers had already quit before they were formally charged while the other officer was fired and then charged for their part in the scheme.
On June 14, 2023, Sonja Jean Goodin pleaded guilty to one count of Violation of Oath of Office and one count of Procuring Tobacco Products for Inmates. She was sentenced to five years to serve the first year in prison and the remaining four years on probation.
“I am proud of the work put in by those at the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office during this difficult case. Within weeks of me taking office, the information that started this case came to light, and the investigation was started,” states Sheriff Stacy Williams. “I said it then and I say it now, those who conspire and attempt these criminal acts will be charged and prosecuted. This administration and our employees will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism. I would like to thank the District Attorney’s Office for their work to prosecute the individuals involved in this case.”
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