The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested a Franklin County jailer accused of smuggling contraband to an inmate.
Agents took 23-year-old Emaleigh Smith of Elberton into custody on May 22. They charged her with providing prohibited items to an inmate, crossing guard lines with intoxicants, and violating her oath of office.
Suspicions lead to arrest
The arrest followed a request from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, which asked the GBI to investigate suspicions that a detention officer was supplying banned substances to inmates. Investigators soon identified Smith as the suspected employee.
During their investigation, agents say they found THC edibles and alcohol in Smith’s vehicle, which she had parked on jail property. Authorities say Smith later admitted to repeatedly providing alcohol, nicotine, and THC-laced edibles to 33-year-old inmate Qwelon Johnson of Lavonia.
Officials charged Johnson with possession of prohibited items by an inmate and possession of a weapon by an inmate. Authorities booked Smith into the Franklin County Jail. She has since been released on bond.
Accountability and transparency
Franklin County Sheriff Scott Andrews fired Smith the day after her arrest, on May 23. He said the action reflects his commitment to accountability and professionalism in his department.
“I want the community to know, as they can see by us releasing this information, that we are transparent and do hold our people to a very high standard,” said Sheriff Andrews.
The GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) is handling the investigation. ARDEO Special Agent in Charge Ken Howard said the case remains “active and ongoing.”
Once the investigation concludes, authorities will turn over their findings to the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
