JACKSON - Lousiana State Police said Monday that nine people have been arrested following a months-long investigation into a contraband smuggling ring at Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson. 

According to State Police, the investigation started in November 2023 when bundles of contraband — including drugs and cellphones — were intercepted by Department of Corrections agents and prison employees. LSP said the bust sparked an investigation that led to the arrest of inmates, prison trusties, correctional employees and other civilians from Baton Rouge. 

The following items were seized: marijuana, methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoids, heroin, cocaine, Suboxone strips, prescription medication, cell phones, chargers, mobile WiFi devices, and knives. Investigators said the stash was valued at more than $90,000. 

The following people were arrested: 

- Dwayne Blair (DCI inmate) – booked at the East Feliciana Parish Prison for introduction of contraband, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, and possession with intent to distribute a Schedule III controlled substance.

- Bruce Padilla (DCI inmate) – booked at the East Feliciana Parish Prison for Criminal Conspiracy to commit introduction of contraband, distribution of a Schedule I controlled substance and distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance.

- Dustin Watson (DCI civilian employee) – booked at the East Feliciana Parish Prison for malfeasance in office, introduction of contraband, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, and possession with intent to distribute a Schedule III controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a Schedule IV controlled substance.

- Christopher Henderson (DCI inmate) – booked at the East Feliciana Parish Prison for racketeering, criminal conspiracy to commit introduction of contraband, distribution of a Schedule I controlled substance and distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance.

- Aranton Johnson (DCI inmate) – booked at the East Feliciana Parish Prison for criminal conspiracy to commit introduction of contraband, distribution of a Schedule I controlled substance and distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance.

- Ernest Miles (DCI inmate) – booked at the East Feliciana Parish Prison for criminal conspiracy to commit introduction of contraband, distribution of a Schedule I controlled substance and distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance.

- Lernise Jackson – booked at the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for distribution of a Schedule I controlled substance, distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance, distribution of a Schedule III controlled substance, and criminal conspiracy to commit introduction of contraband.

- Jarryl Bowie – booked at the East Feliciana Parish Prison for criminal conspiracy to commit Introduction of Contraband, distribution of a Schedule I controlled substance and distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance.

- Lauren Robinson – booked at the East Feliciana Parish Prison for criminal conspiracy to commit introduction of contraband