Former OPSO employee arrested, accused of conspiring to bring drugs into Orleans Parish jail

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — A former Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office employee is in custody after allegedly conspiring to bring drugs into the jail.

OPSO officials say 24-year-old Iyanna Carter reportedly made the plan with inmate 31-year-old Henry Sims.

Deputies said as a result, two inmates suffered non-fatal overdoses on May 30. Both were treated with several doses of Narcan and taken to a hospital where they recovered.

The two are now back in deputy custody.

OPSO Sheriff Susan Hutson said the arrest sends a clear message.

“We will not tolerate anyone, inside or outside our organization, who jeopardizes the safety and security of this facility. And, we are committed to accountability at every level and to protecting both our residents and our staff. I’m proud of the quick response by our Investigative Services Bureau and the Intelligence Division in identifying suspicious behavior and actions by a former employee and swiftly closing down this conspiracy to bring dangerous drugs into the jail,” said Hutson.

OPSO officials said Carter has since been fired, and on June 12, she was arrested and booked into the Orleans Justice Center on felony charges of:

• Introduction of a controlled substance into a correctional facility (two counts)
• Malfeasance in office (two counts)
• Criminal conspiracy (two counts)

OPSO Compliance and Accountability Director Major Silas E. Phipps, Jr. says the integrity of the facility depends on the integrity of those who work in it.

“This case is a reminder of why our internal controls and ongoing compliance efforts matter. When misconduct happens, we will investigate it and we will act on it,” said Phipps.

Latest Posts