2 Jones County correctional officers arrested in smuggling raid

Two Jones County correctional officers have been charged in connection with a contraband case at the local detention center.

Thomas Powell, 41, of Laurel, and Charles Sullivan, 36, of Ellisville, were two of five people taken into custody, according to WDAM. Powell was charged with introducing contraband into a correctional facility, conspiracy to commit a felony and racketeering. Sullivan was charged with racketeering. The charges against both men are considered criminal offenses.

“We have zero tolerance for criminal behavior by correctional personnel in our detention centers,” Jones County Sheriff Joe Berlin told the television station.

Berlin added that both Powell and Sullivan were fired immediately after their arrest, which followed an investigation into suspected criminal behavior at the Jones County Adult Detention Center.

The other three suspects arrested were:

• Christopher Hodge, 20, of Laurel
• Susan Hodge, 47, of Laurel
• Ashley Kittrell, 23, of Laurel

Christopher Hodge (Photo by JCSD)

Susan Hodge (Photo by JCSD)

Ashley Kittrell (Photo by JCSD)

All three were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony.

Powell and Sullivan were released on $40,000 and $5,000 bonds, respectively.