Operation Turkey Day

HENNING – A simultaneous interception of deliveries into all West Tennessee prisons was conducted today by the Department’s Office of Investigations and Compliance. “Operation Turkey Day” was an effort to stop the introduction of contraband into the following facilities:

• West Tennessee State Penitentiary
• Hardeman County Correctional Complex
• Northwest Correctional Complex
• Whiteville Correctional Complex
• South Central Correctional Facility
• Mark Luttrell Correctional Center.

Teams conducted an enhanced search of all deliveries coming into the facilities and made one arrest. The operation led to the discovery of cell phones, alcohol and tobacco inside commercial delivery trucks. Delivery truck driver James Banner of Memphis was charged with introduction of contraband into a penal facility. He was taken to the Lauderdale County jail. 

“We are committed to pursuing all leads and identifying actionable intelligence to assist us in preventing the introduction of contraband into our facilities,” Commissioner Derrick D. Schofield said. The Department of Correction is committed to operating safe and secure prisons and providing effective community supervision in order to enhance public safety.