Corrections deputy arrested

Published 9:34 am Thursday, March 3, 2022

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Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office Corrections Deputy Trey Jenkins was arrested by the WPSO on Wednesday, according to WPSO Chief Criminal Deputy Mike Haley.

Jenkins, 21, a resident of Bush, had been under investigation since late February after jail surveillance video recorded him making an illegal transaction with an inmate.

The incident was referred to the Criminal Investigative Division of the WPSO. Detectives, along with a corrections deputy investigator, conducted a brief and intensive investigation that resulted in Jenkins’ confession and arrest.

Jenkins, who had been employed by the WPSO for three months, was terminated from his job. The case is being referred to the Office of District Attorney for prosecution, Haley said.

Jenkins confessed that an inmate offered him money to bring in a cellphone, Haley said, noting that Jenkins agreed and the money was delivered through use of a cash app. Haley said that Jenkins brought in a cellphone and charger, which he gave to the inmate inside the housing unit. The cellphone and charger were recovered by corrections deputies.

Jenkins was charged with introduction of contraband to a correctional facility. He was jailed briefly before posting bond for his release.

“It’s always disheartening when an officer violates the trust of his fellow officers as well as the citizens he is sworn to serve and protect,” Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal said. “Jenkins willfully chose to violate the law and now must face the consequences of his actions. We take no delight in arresting one of our own employees, but his status as an employee had no bearing on a fair and impartial investigation and arrest.”