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Written by: E. George
Published August 29, 2024 @ 12:25 PM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Four security contractors employed by Strategic Security Corp. have been charged in a high-profile corruption case involving smuggling, inappropriate conduct, and contraband at the Fulton County Jail. The arrests of LaQuna Ballard, Regina Harris, Breaisha Tate, and Anizya Silas have intensified scrutiny of the troubled facility, which is already under federal investigation.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has charged Ballard, Harris, Tate, and Silas with conspiracy and supplying contraband to inmates. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the accusations against these women are severe and include a range of illegal activities.
- LaQuna Ballard is accused of sending explicit photos and videos to an inmate and accepting payments for smuggling cellphones and cigarettes into the jail.
- Breaisha Tate allegedly had sexual encounters with an inmate and smuggled multiple cell phones into the facility, hiding them in a book with a cutout. Records indicate that Tate confessed to providing six cellphones and other contraband to the inmate and received $1,682 via Cash App for her illicit activities.
- Regina Harris is charged with providing a contraband cell phone to an inmate and faces three warrants related to this activity.
- Anizya Silas is accused of smuggling a phone charger and providing an unauthorized staff meal, specifically a chicken pot pie, to an inmate.
The scandal emerged as part of an ongoing investigation that began in May and has since revealed significant breaches of conduct and security within the jail. Natalie Ammons, the Director of Communications for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that all four security officers have been terminated from their positions but remain considered contractors.
Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat expressed profound disappointment over the situation. “These women unfortunately chose to be on the wrong side of the law by fraternizing with residents they were entrusted with watching over,” Labat stated. “They will now have to face the consequences for the crimes they are accused of committing. Our employees and contractors alike are held to a high standard of integrity.”
The CEO of Strategic Security Corp., Joseph Sordi, also responded to the scandal, stating that his company is committed to high standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct. Sordi highlighted the company’s rigorous hiring and training processes, which include thorough background checks and ethics training.
The Fulton County Jail, which has been under investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, has faced severe criticism for its living conditions, health care, and use of force. The federal investigation was prompted by troubling reports of inmate deaths and dire conditions within the facility. In response to these issues, the county commission recently approved a $300 million renovation plan to address these problems.
The jail also recently gained national attention when Donald Trump surrendered there on racketeering charges, leading to the circulation of his widely publicized mugshot.
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that further arrests could be forthcoming as the investigation continues.