Jones County Sheriff’s Department narcotics agents arrested 41-year-old Thomas Powell, from Laurel, and 36-year-old Charles Sullivan, from Ellisville, on Wednesday, April 10. Powell faces charges of Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility, Conspiracy to Commit a Felony, and Felony Extortion over $250. Meanwhile, Sullivan was taken into custody on a charge of Felony Extortion over $250.

Both Powell and Sullivan were employed as corrections officers at the Jones County Adult Detention Facility but were promptly terminated following their arrests.

Additionally, three other individuals were arrested as part of the same investigation. 20-year-old Christopher Hodge, 47-year-old Susan Hodge, and 23-year-old Ashley Kittrell, all residents of Laurel, were charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Felony.

Jones County Sheriff Joe Berlin thanked Warden Abraham McKenzie and the narcotics agents for their swift response in identifying and apprehending the suspects.

All five individuals arrested were placed in custody at the Jones County Adult Detention Facility. This investigation is ongoing.