Contraband Sweep at Charles B. Webster Detention Center Targets Safety Concerns
AUGUSTA, Ga. — A comprehensive contraband search at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center was conducted Thursday under the leadership of Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley. The operation, aimed at improving safety for both inmates and staff, involved law enforcement partners from several counties and state agencies.
The jail-wide sweep saw deputies from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, along with law enforcement personnel from the Columbia and Burke County Sheriff’s Offices, and the Georgia Department of Corrections. Deputies from the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office also assisted, driving more than two hours to help with the operation.
Sheriff Brantley emphasized that the search was part of a larger ongoing effort to reduce dangerous contraband and ensure the safety of everyone within the facility. In a news conference following the search, law enforcement officials provided updates on the items recovered during the operation.
Among the seized contraband were two tattoo devices, two bags of an unknown white powdery substance, four grams of K-2 synthetic marijuana, and at least 20 shanks, which inmates had fashioned from outdated light fixtures. According to Col. Bo Johnson of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the old light fixtures in the facility have become a significant security concern.
“Unfortunately, we’ve got very old light fixtures in our facility. We really need to have them replaced. They’re so outdated, it’s unbelievable,” Johnson said. “Inmates disassemble these light fixtures, and with the time they have throughout the day, they turn them into weapons.”
The search was the result of collaboration with local and state law enforcement, including Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen, whose office sent deputies to support the operation. Johnson noted the positive relationship between the agencies, which has led to increased cooperation in tackling jail-related safety concerns.
“Sheriff Allen was gracious enough to let us visit his facility in the past, and in turn, they were kind enough to assist us with our search,” Johnson explained.
All seized materials are currently under investigation, with five felony charges expected to be filed in connection with the possession of the contraband.
In the aftermath of the search, Captain Joel Denko of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the operation was only the beginning of a new routine aimed at improving jail security.
“This is part of a bigger plan to ensure the safety and well-being of the inmates and staff at the facility,” Denko said. “Every person in that facility is our responsibility. We are committed to keeping everyone safe, and these searches will continue as needed.”
The Charles B. Webster Detention Center has faced challenges in recent years, including overcrowding and understaffing. However, authorities insisted that these issues were not a factor in the decision to conduct the jail-wide search.
Looking ahead, the Sheriff’s Office outlined plans for regular inspections, including daily targeted checks, weekly large-scale searches, and monthly reviews of housing areas to ensure ongoing safety.
Sheriff Brantley emphasized that the operation is just the start of a sustained effort to maintain order within the facility. “Safety for our inmates and deputies inside the jail is a top priority, and this is just the beginning of our commitment to a safer environment,” he said.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is determined to continue its efforts to rid the jail of contraband and enhance the overall security of the facility in the coming months.
