ST. GABRIEL- An Elayn Hunt Correctional Center officer-in-training was arrested after trying to smuggle in vodka, tobacco and cell phones into the facility for inmates.

On Sunday, correctional center staff found out that 29-year-old Jessica Dedon, of Denham Springs, smuggled in the items after watching video surveillance.

The video showed suspicious activity from Dedon the night before the discovery. While reporting for duty on Sunday night, video surveillance revealed similar suspicious activity and as a result, she was searched by supervisors.

EHCC security staff found tobacco, rolling papers, cell phones, chargers and a one liter bottle of vodka concealed in her uniform jacket and personal backpack.

Dedon avoided the routine search of correctional officers as they reported for duty by placing her items at the facility before the officers’ roll call.

The items were intended for delivery to unknown inmates.

The St. Gabriel Police Department responded to the facility and arrested Dedon for introduction of contraband into a correctional facility and malfeasance in office.

If convicted, Dedon faces up to 10 years in prison.

Dedon served as a corrections cadet, which was a probationary position at the facility and has been terminated.

Warden Robert Tanner said he was proud of his officers’ professionalism in the matter.

“It is disheartening when an employee chooses to place her fellow officers at risk by bringing dangerous contraband into the facility,” Tanner said.

“I am very proud of the officers involved for their attention to duty and decisive action in this matter.”