Jailer orders July 4 sweep of Whitley County Detention Center for contraband

A July 4 sweep by a 35-officer special response search team found no illegal drugs or dangerous contraband at the Whitley County Detention Center.

Whitley County Jailer Ken Mobley said he asked Laurel County Jailer Jamie Mosley to send his team to search the Whitley County Jail for contraband and drugs.

“This is the first time I know of that two county jails have worked together to keep illegal drugs and contraband out of their jails,” Mobley said.

Mobley said the team only found some tobacco products in the state work release section of the jail — a problem that would be corrected before those inmates would be allowed to go out and work again in the community. No drugs or weapons were discovered.

“Police agencies work together all the time, but I think this was a first for corrections and it will not be the last. I wanted an outside agency to run the show and I wanted my staff to assist and learn from it. Jailer Mosley should be very proud of his team for an outstanding job.”

Mobley said he asked for team to search the jail following recent charges brought against 21 inmates for illegal drugs. Some tested positive for Suboxone use. Suboxone is a drug typically used to help break addictions to other painkillers.

“We will continue to work together to keep the Whitley County Detention Center and the Laurel County Correctional Center drug free. That is both agency’s goal … Drugs will not be tolerated in either facility, period. Both agencies will continue to work arm in arm together to insure the sobriety and safety of our inmates.”