LIBERTY COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - A Florida corrections officer trainee was arrested for smuggling cigars and cigarettes into the Liberty County Correctional Institution to give to an inmate.
Curtis Chandler was caught on Oct. 14, 2018, while trying to bring four packages of cigars into the LCI and cigarettes, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Chandler received $300 transmitted electronically via money transfer by means of the CashApp from an inmate.
He failed to clear the metal detector and admitted to security staff that he had contraband cigarettes on his person, with two packs hidden in his underwear.
"I'm caught, I have cigarettes," he uttered, the court document said. Chandler said he was a non-smoker.
After Chandler waived his Miranda Rights, he gave an interview that was digitally recorded.
Security staff found in Chandler's vehicle a black Samsung smart phone, six more packs of cigarettes, an empty carton box, a piece of paper with a name and telephone number, and a receipt for two packs of cigarettes.
On Oct. 16, 2018, investigators received an report about what was found on Chandler's phone. A message said "CHANDLER - I have a carton and will bring it on my next shift."
Images within the phone show information about the inmate.
He was booked into the Liberty County Jail.
Chandler was charged with unlawful compensation or reward for official behavior and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility.
