Houston County detention officer arrested during investigation into jail-directed drug operation

The Houston County Sheriff’s Office said one detention officer was arrested and another was terminated during a narcotics investigation tied to a drug operation investigators say was directed from inside the jail.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- A Houston County detention officer has been arrested, and another has been terminated during a narcotics investigation tied to what the Houston County Sheriff’s Office says was a drug trafficking operation directed from inside the county jail.

According to the sheriff’s office, detention officer Daisha O’Daine was arrested May 5th in Monroe County by the Georgia State Patrol on charges of possession of marijuana, speeding, following too closely, and a window tint violation. The sheriff’s office said O’Daine is also facing additional charges in Houston County for possession of a Schedule I controlled substance and violation of oath of office. According to the news release from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, O’Daine was terminated from her position at the Houston County Detention Center following her arrest.

The sheriff’s office also said detention officer Shantess Hart was terminated after policy violations were identified during the investigation. According to the release, charges in Hart’s case are pending.

Investigation called “Operation Cellblock Syndicate”

The sheriff’s office said the investigation, called “Operation Cellblock Syndicate,” lasted five months and focused on a drug trafficking organization investigators say operated through associates outside the jail.

Investigators with the Narcotics Intelligence Unit executed search warrants on May 8th at five residences in Houston County, according to the release.

The sheriff’s office said the following people were arrested and charged under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act:

• Brittany Smith
• Ty’Miere Evans
• Julissa Montes
• Margaret Phillips
• Renee Smith

Investigators also charged inmate Miekell Stephens under the Georgia RICO Act.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators identified Stephens as the leader of the organization and said he directed drug distribution operations from inside the Houston County Detention Center.

Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton said, “This investigation demonstrates that incarceration does not place someone beyond the reach of accountability. Individuals who attempt to direct criminal enterprises from inside our detention facility and anyone who assists them, whether on the street or within our own ranks, will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Drugs and firearms recovered

The sheriff’s office said investigators recovered marijuana, fentanyl, cocaine, and several firearms during the searches.

Sheriff Matthew Moulton said the investigation involved assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Houston County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the release, the investigation remains active, and additional arrests and charges are anticipated.