Former Bradley County Jail corrections officer, two others face contraband charges

David Branson / Photo courtesy of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office
David Branson / Photo courtesy of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office
photo David Branson / Photo courtesy of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office

Three people, including a former corrections officer, were arrested Tuesday and are facing charges for allegedly bringing contraband into the Bradley County Jail last summer, according to a sheriff's office news release.

Investigators with the sheriff's drug unit were made aware in August that an inmate and civilian were conspiring to smuggle items into the jail.

During the investigation, corrections officer David Branson was seen on security footage retrieving and delivering contraband into the jail and providing it to inmates, authorities said.

Branson was later terminated after an interview with investigators, pending a criminal investigation. Branson had been with the department since 2017, and will not be eligible for a pension.

Evidence from the investigation was presented to the Bradley County Grand Jury on March 3. Based on their findings, David Branson was charged with official misconduct, contraband in a penal facility and conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility. Jesus Teague and Hailey Strickland were charged with contraband in a penal facility and conspiracy to introduce contraband in a penal facility.

All three suspects have been detained and booked into the Bradley County Jail.

"I would first like to congratulate our detectives for their quick response to this case and their excellent work in gathering the evidence that has ultimately led to the incarceration of these individuals," Bradley County Sheriff Steve Lawson said. "The security of our jail is extremely important, and we will prosecute anyone who ever attempts to bring contraband in, no matter who they are."

- Compiled by Jody Park

photo Jesus Teague / Photo courtesy of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office
photo Hailey Strickland / Photo courtesy of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office

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