Officer jailed for smuggling

HENDERSON – A corrections officer was arrested on March 12 following the discovery of burritos containing tobacco being smuggled into the Bradshaw State Jail. According to an arrest affidavit and our news partner KETK, Investigator Daniel Johnson from the Office of Inspector General responded to the Bradshaw Unit on March 12 after tobacco was reported to be found in a bathroom trash can.

Immediately before locating the contraband, unit staff reported that James Thibodeaux, a correctional officer, was observed exiting the restroom. Investigators were able to make contact with Thibodeaux, who agreed to speak to them. Thibodeaux reportedly admitted to investigators that he received payment to drop burritos containing tobacco into the bathroom trash can, with the intention of an inmate receiving them. Thibodeaux was booked into the Rusk County Jail with the charges of prohibited substance/item in a correctional or civil commitment facility. He had a $15,000 bond and was released two days later.