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Written by: A. Smith
Published October 9, 2025 @ 11:01 AM ET
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. – Two Clayton County corrections officers and an inmate have been arrested in an alleged scheme to smuggle drugs and other contraband into the county jail, Sheriff Levon Allen announced Wednesday.
The accused officers, identified as Ashley Victoria Lewis-Allen and K-9 Officer Leshawn Branch, are charged with bringing drugs into the jail and giving them to inmates. Inmate Donsheldon Lowe, who was already being held for hijacking a vehicle and probation violations, was also arrested for receiving contraband.
Sheriff Allen said he has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to bringing illegal items behind bars, “no matter who you are.”
Captain Jason Bennett of the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office said the arrests came after surveillance video showed unusual activity among staff.
Bennett said: “It is tough, because it’s just a reminder that we still, after all the warnings from the sheriff, after the warnings from other command, after officers being arrested in our role, that people are still willing to put themselves at risk and other officers at risk.”
According to Bennett, employees go through metal detectors when entering the jail, but some hide illegal substances on their bodies to avoid detection.
Bennett added that the contraband sells for high prices inside the jail — as much as $1,500 for a charger and up to $3,000 for a cellphone. Investigators said Lewis-Allen told jail officials she was struggling financially and turned to selling contraband for extra income.
Bennett said: “The sheriff is not tolerating it. He has a zero tolerance policy of it and you will be found, and you will be arrested.”
Allen said the investigation remains ongoing.