GRANT PARISH, La. – Two New Orleans residents were arrested after a Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy discovered an alleged attempt to smuggle tobacco and cell phones into a federal correctional facility.
According to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, a deputy discovered one of the suspects moving through a wooded area while carrying a bag containing tobacco products and cell phones.
Investigators reported that the individual intended to throw the bag over the fence of the federal prison, allowing the prohibited items to enter the facility.
The investigation resulted in the arrests of two New Orleans residents.
Larenzo Johnson, 30, of New Orleans, was arrested and charged with Taking Contraband to a Penal Institution.
Paige Taylor, 27, of New Orleans, was arrested and charged with Taking Contraband to a Penal Institution and Possession of Marijuana.
The Sheriff’s Office did not specify the number of cell phones or the quantity of tobacco recovered. Additional details regarding the circumstances of the arrests were not provided.
Cell phones and unauthorized tobacco products are considered contraband in federal correctional facilities, where such items can create security concerns for inmates, correctional officers and prison operations.
The arrests are the latest reported effort by Grant Parish law enforcement to prevent unauthorized items from entering a correctional institution.
Both individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.