JESSUP, Md. — Ten people — including two correctional officers and a correctional educator — have been indicted in connection with three contraband smuggling operations at Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI), Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced.
The charges outline three unrelated operations inside the Anne Arundel County facility, each involving correctional staff accused of using their access to move drugs, cellphones and other prohibited items to incarcerated individuals, the Attorney General’s Office said.
“We trust correctional staff to keep prisons safe – not smuggle contraband to the people they supervise,” Brown said. “Our Office will always prosecute public servants who abuse their positions and undermine prison safety.”
Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs said the department initiated a comprehensive investigation once allegations surfaced. Any employee charged in connection with the case has been suspended pending disciplinary proceedings.
Correctional sergeant accused of smuggling thousands of pills
In the first case, investigators allege that Correctional Officer Sgt. Awungjia Rita Atabong, a 13-year veteran, carried out multiple smuggling trips on behalf of inmates. According to the indictment, Atabong met with outside associates to pick up packages, communicated with inmates using contraband cellphones and received thousands of dollars for delivering drugs into the facility.
Investigators say she also tipped off an inmate about an active contraband interdiction operation, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
During a search of her Anne Arundel County residence on July 14, 2025, investigators recovered items packaged for delivery into the facility, including:
- 200 fentanyl/methamphetamine pills
- 7,911 MDMA/methamphetamine pills
- 19.65 grams of 3,4-Methylenedioxy-α-cyclohexylaminopropiophenone
- 78 grams of cannabis
- 55 grams of THC-9
- 54 grams of psilocin
- 733 buprenorphine strips
- Tobacco, cellphones and charging cords
- Rolling papers and lighters
Atabong, 39, faces a 40-count indictment that includes misconduct in office, contraband conspiracy and drug distribution–related charges.
Four inmates — Michael Cates, 33; Tavon Williams, 41; Tyrell Smith, 36; and James Gilyard IV, 36 — were also indicted on contraband conspiracy and illegal possession of a telecommunications device.
Correctional educator accused of smuggling contraband to students
A second indictment alleges that Correctional Educator Lakesha Murry smuggled drugs, food and other prohibited items to incarcerated students in exchange for money and luxury goods, including a Gucci bag. Charging documents state that Murry used a contraband cellphone to take requests and coordinated the delivery of items while teaching inside the JCI classroom.
Investigators say she concealed items on her person before distributing them to inmates. Security footage also showed Murry kissing one of her students.
Additional incidents outlined in the indictment include:
- April 21, 2025: A search of inmate Allen Mitchell’s cellphone revealed unauthorized food.
- June 9, 2025: Murry allegedly passed cigarettes and five sheets of paper soaked in synthetic cannabis to inmate Kevin Glover during class.
Murry, 49, is charged in a 15-count indictment that includes misconduct, contraband conspiracy and drug distribution offenses. Mitchell, 39, and Glover, 46, face multiple charges, including contraband and telecommunications violations.
Officer accused of inappropriate relationship and supplying contraband
In a third case, Correctional Officer Kathryn Hawes is accused of maintaining an inappropriate relationship with inmate Artemis Booker and coordinating with other incarcerated individuals through contraband phones.
According to charging documents, Hawes provided Booker with prohibited items, including a watch she photographed and sent to his contraband cellphone. Investigators later recovered the watch, along with a flash drive and tobacco, during a search of Booker’s phone.
When Hawes was arrested at JCI, officers found additional contraband concealed on her person.
Hawes, 29, is charged with misconduct in office, contraband conspiracy and conspiracy to possess contraband with the intent to deliver. Booker, 50, faces a seven-count indictment, including possession of contraband in a place of confinement.
Additional charges and case status
Several inmates were also charged in September 2025 with possessing contraband phones uncovered during the broader investigation.
Atabong, Murry and Hawes were released on their own recognizance. The incarcerated defendants remain in custody while serving existing sentences.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
