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Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

BOGALUSA, La. – Detectives from the Drug Task Force of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office joined forces with the Rayburn Correctional Center (RCC) to prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs into the prison.

The RCC informed the WPSO Drug Task Force of an ongoing investigation regarding an inmate suspected of smuggling illegal drugs into the prison. The inmate allegedly attempted to bribe a Rayburn officer to assist him in this illegal activity.

On Nov. 3, the two agencies conducted a joint undercover operation at the Sportsman Inn in Bogalusa, LA, to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the illegal narcotics trade. During the operation, an agent from the Drug Task Force posed as a corrupt officer from Rayburn and engaged in conversations with Sherman Ray Wilder of Marrero, Louisiana.

It was discovered that an illegal narcotics transaction was being planned, and a meeting was scheduled to take place at the Sportsman Inn. Rayburn investigators monitored the communication between the inmates inside the prison to gather crucial information, which was instrumental in guiding the operation.

Law enforcement agents arrested Wilder at the Sportsman Inn and found 2.6 ounces of Meth, four paper sheets of synthetic Mojo, and $2,474.00 in cash in his possession.

Sheriff Randy Seal praised the collaboration between the Washington Parish Drug Task Force and Rayburn Correctional Center, stating, “This operation represents the dedication and commitment of our law enforcement agencies to maintain the safety and integrity of our correctional facilities. We will continue to work tirelessly to combat illegal activities that threaten our communities.”

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Rayburn Correctional Center are working together to put a stop to the influx of illegal drugs into correctional facilities and ensure the safety of the community and the correctional system.