EVANGELINE PARISH, La. (KLFY) — A former Allen Correctional Facility employee and a woman were arrested in connection with alleged drug trafficking.

Yesterday, deputies arrested and charged Rodrick Ben, 25, of Ville Platte and Paula Patterson, 36, each with one count of distribution/possession with intent to distribution marijuana, one count of distribution/possession with intent to distribution synthetic marijuana and one count of distribution/possession with intent to distribution of the narcotic Suboxone.

During the investigation, agents with Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office received information from the Allen Parish Correctional Facility in reference to a current staff member, Ben, who allegedly was conspiring to introduce an unknown number of illegal narcotics in the Allen Correctional Facility and in return would receive a payment of $5000, deputies said.

Through the investigation, agents said Ben was interviewed by the Allen Parish Correctional Center where he allegedly confessed to introduce and sell the illegal narcotics and possessing the illegal narcotics at his home and distribute the illegal narcotics at the Correctional facility.

Later on, agents searched Ben’s residence located at 543 Prosper Street Apt. #10, Ville Platte.

While agents were searching the residence, Ben and Patterson allegedly exited the vehicle and were detained, deputies said.

Deputies said they later discovered Patterson was employed with GEO Prisons in Pine Prairie Louisiana and also a member of the residence.

During the search, agents were able to uncover large amounts of marijuana, synthetic marijuana and narcotics.

No information of bond for Ben or Patterson has been released. We will update as more information is released.

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