By Astrid Galvan
The Albuquerque Journal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- A Metropolitan Detention Center guard was arrested Friday after allegedly trying to sneak drugs and $3,000 in cash into the jail, officials said.
Correctional Officer Melvyn Askew, 31, had been suspected of transporting contraband for some time, Chief Ramon Rustin said at a news conference.
Officials got a tip from the jail’s security threat team, which gathers intelligence at the jail. MDC contacted the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office to help investigate.
When Askew arrived at work Friday, he was questioned and searched. Authorities said they found Suboxone, a prescription drug used to treat heroin addiction, heroin and $3,000 in cash.
“It’s extremely frustrating. We’re in the business of public safety, " Rustin said. He called the incident “embarrassing.”
Askew, who was hired in June, was arrested and charged with bringing contraband into a jail, conspiracy, trafficking and tampering with evidence. He was immediately fired, Rustin said.
He said jail officials acted quickly when they learned about Askew’s plans and want to set an example for others who might consider bringing contraband into the jail.
Rustin, who became chief in January, has been working to clean up the jail after more than a year of controversy that included charges of rape, violence, nepotism and corruption within the jail.
Copyright 2011 Albuquerque Journal