TDOC Stops Flow of Contraband

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Internal Affairs Agents with the Department of Correction have arrested three women suspected of smuggling illegal and dangerous contraband into a state prison.

The women are accused of mailing a pound of marijuana, 52 cell phones and tobacco to the Turney Center Industrial Prison in Hickman County on February 22, 2008.

Agents arrested Kenitra Rowan at her residence in Hermitage and Serah Gallahaire at her home in Dyersburg. Both women are believed to have close relationships with a TDOC inmate. On June 11, 2008, Cathy Tetreault, the mother of a TDOC inmate, was also arrested in Dyersburg. All three are charged with delivery of a controlled substance, introduction of drugs into a penal institution and introduction of contraband (cell phones) into a penal institution. They were booked into the Hickman County Jail.

“Our internal affairs section did an outstanding job bringing this case to a close,” said Commissioner George Little. “Hopefully, our prisons and the community at large will be safer.”

Indictments are being sought on at least two TDOC inmates for conspiracy to violate state law and conspiracy to introduce drugs and contraband into a penal institution.