Multiple people arrested for drug trafficking inside Houston County Jail

HOUSTON COUNTY— Houston County Sheriff’s Office announced the results of Operation Cellblock Syndicate, an investigation spanning five months into a drug trafficking organization inside the Houston County Detention Center. 

According to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office, their Narcotics Intelligence Unit (NIU) executed search warrants on five homes in the county. 

Brittany Smith, Ty’Miere Evans, Julissa Montes, Margaret Phillips, and Renee Smith were arrested and charged under the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). 

Inmate Miekell Stephens was also charged under RICO. The release said investigators found out Stephens was the leader of the organization as he directed distribution operations from inside the jail through his connection on the outside. 

The Sheriff’s Office recovered marijuana, fentanyl, cocaine, and several guns. 

Houston County Detention Officers, Daisha O’Daine and Shantess Hart, were involved in the operation. O’Daine was arrested in Monroe County on charges of possession of marijuana, speeding, following too closely, and window tint violation, as well as outstanding charges in Houston County for possession of a Schedule 1 substance and violation of oath of office. She was immediately terminated from her position. 

Hart was also terminated for policy violations during the investigation. Charges are still pending. 

Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton said in a statement that those who attempt “criminal enterprises” inside their detention center or anyone on the outside involved will be prosecuted. Moulton praised his NIU and is grateful to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia State Patrol, and Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance on Operation Cellblock Syndicate. 

The release said Operation Cellblock Syndicate is still an active investigation, and they expect more arrests. Anyone with relevant information to this investigation is urged to contact the Houston County Sheriff’s Office NIU at (478) 922-1313.