Cook County Corrections Officer Accused of Smuggling Drugs into Jail
- A corrections officer in Chicago area was caught smuggling drug-soaked paper into jail.
- The officer accepted $1,000 to deliver the paper to an inmate in custody.
- The incident highlights corruption and illegal activities within the law enforcement system.
A Cook County corrections officer, Shadonna Jones, has been accused of attempting to smuggle drug-soaked paper into the Cook County Jail. Investigators discovered 48 sheets of the suspected contraband during a search of her home in Lynwood. According to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, Jones allegedly accepted $1,000 to deliver the paper to an inmate in custody, which later tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids. Jones, who was hired as a deputy in June 2019, has been on "injured on duty" status since July 15, 2024, following an injury sustained while intervening in a fight between inmates. After being interviewed by investigators regarding the drug smuggling allegations, she was de-deputized on July 25. The sheriff's office is currently conducting a separate internal investigation, which could lead to disciplinary actions, including potential termination. The issue of drug-soaked paper smuggling has become increasingly problematic within the Cook County Jail, prompting the sheriff's office to enhance mail searches. This incident follows a similar case reported by CBS News Chicago in May 2023, where an inmate and his girlfriend were arrested for attempting to bribe an officer for smuggling purposes. Jones is scheduled to appear in court on September 19 as the investigation continues. The sheriff's office remains vigilant in addressing the growing concerns surrounding drug smuggling within the facility.