A former jailer has been charged in circuit court with three counts of allegedly furnishing and delivering prohibited articles into the Independence County Jail.
According to the arrest affidavit, Adam B. Ward, 35, of Batesville, was under surveillance since June 14, 2023, when Sheriff Shawn Stephens received information that he had a jailer working for his agency who was furnishing prohibited articles, — such as tobacco, vapes, and phones — into the Independence County Jail.
Narcotics Detective Zach Bailey of the sheriff’s department and Special Agent Dammon McGilton with the 16th Judicial District Drug Task Force led an investigation into the matter and found that Ward allegedly allowed contraband into the jail and received money to do so, the affidavit said. Inmates and outside family members of those inmates were allegedly involved and paid Ward for his services, according to investigators.
When investigators interviewed Ward, he admitted what he was doing and said it was to supplement his income, the affidavit said. Investigators also found contraband inside Ward’s vehicle. The contraband was seized along with Ward’s cell phone.
Ward was arrested and taken to a neighboring county jail for his safety.
McGilton and Bailey said the investigation is continuing. Ward was placed on a $15,000 bond.
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