Weekend ruined: ODOC staff intercepts contraband, arrests 7

Friday, February 23, 2024

Contraband drop recovered from JBCC.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections staff must always be one step ahead of the perpetrator. This is why they constantly monitor communications, conduct perimeter checks, perform shakedowns, etc. The dedicated staff uses state-of-the-art technology and traditional methods to stop criminal activity in and around its facilities.

Through proactive measures, ODOC was able to intercept last weekend a large amount of contraband intended for inmates at Eddie Warrior Correctional Center in Taft, Okla., and Dick Conner Correctional Center in Hominy, Okla. The operation resulted in seven arrests, including one due to a previous contraband drop at Jackie Brannon Correctional Center in McAlester, Okla. The information will be forwarded to the county district attorney’s offices to file charges against the individuals.

The weekend began with the apprehension of Stephanie Deeter in Broken Arrow, Okla., which resulted from an investigation that started in June 2023. Through investigative work, agents learned about a contraband drop at JBCC. When agents searched the prison grounds, they found a duffle bag containing 34 cellphones, one pound of marijuana, 10.35 ounces of methamphetamine, eight pounds of tobacco,

Stephanie Deeter

104 cigarette lighters and numerous other electronics (Roku, etc.). Agents determined Deeter purchased some of the items in the bag and during an interview in January 2024, she admitted to buying some of the cellphones. The investigation continues into other people involved in the purchase and introduction of the contraband.

Agents discovered another potential contraband introduction – this time at EWCC. They learned the drop was to occur the following day, Feb. 17. A surveillance operation was set up in the early morning hours. Shortly after, they became aware that that attempted introduction would not occur until the next day.

So, the agents focused on another potential contraband drop. They learned Michael Gage Penny of Marlow, Okla., would try to introduce contraband. Once arriving at the EWCC, agents detained Penny, where they found he possessed methamphetamines, tobacco, and fentanyl, all packaged for a drop.

Also, while at the facility, the agents conducted a traffic stop after the occupants of the vehicle threw contraband over the fence. They arrested Erin Gallagher and Jed Kitchkommie, both from Tulsa, Okla. A second package was intercepted before it could reach a facility. Gallagher also had methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia on her body.

They recovered two pounds of tobacco, miscellaneous makeup and fake eyelashes, two grams of methamphetamine, a smoking device and a little more than two grams of marijuana. Gallagher also had an active warrant out of Oklahoma County for a hit and run.

On Sunday, the suspects that started the operation showed up at EWCC as planned. Agents observed the vehicle approach the facility and made contact with the two occupants, James Robinson and Joy Laverty. The investigation revealed she told her daughter she would insert the narcotics into her body to bring into the prison. Robinson confirmed, stating he helped insert the items into his mother-in-law’s body. While Laverty initially denied having any contraband, Muskogee County jail staff recovered 34.6 grams of methamphetamine, three grams of marijuana, 10.7 grams of Xanax and 42.7 grams of unknown liquid from Laverty’s body.

Contraband intended for EWCC inmates recovered from Michael Penny.

The seventh arrest occurred at DCCC when a visitor attempted to smuggle in drugs. Latoya Daniel, who was there to visit her son, had stashed drugs in her armpits. The contraband was discovered when facility staff performed a pat-down search on Daniel. She had eight grams of fentanyl and 56 grams of Xanax on her person.

Each potential introduction was thwarted through the hard work of ODOC’s agents and facility staff, who diligently combat contraband daily. Stopping criminal activity protects those incarcerated in Oklahoma and, ultimately, keeps the public safer.