A correctional officer at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center was arrested after authorities say contraband was found on him during a body scan before his shift. A loaded firearm was also discovered in his vehicle, according to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
The arrest adds to a growing list of incidents at the St. Gabriel prison. www.wafb.com reported that this was the third arrest within 48 hours tied to alleged contraband entering the facility.
What investigators say they found
Officials say 30-year-old Cadet Jaunya Spiller was scanned when he arrived for work on Monday, June 15. During that scan, a cellphone and drug-laced paper were allegedly found on him, and the paper tested positive for cocaine.
Authorities also say a loaded firearm was located in the glove compartment of Spiller’s vehicle. Spiller was hired at the prison in March 2026 and has since been fired.
More arrests tied to the facility
Department secretary Gary Westcott said the arrest reflects ongoing efforts to stop contraband from reaching correctional facilities. “This arrest is a prime example of the proactive measures we are making every day across our correctional facilities to prevent contraband from entering our institutions,” he said.
Westcott added, “The message is clear: criminal activity will not be tolerated.”
The department says four EHCC employees have been arrested this year for introducing contraband into the facility. Spiller’s arrest came after two women visiting the prison over the weekend were arrested for allegedly bringing in marijuana with the intent to distribute.
