Former prison workers arrested for suspected contraband activity at Elmore Correctional Facility

Elmore Correctional Facility in Elmore, Alabama – (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

ELMORE, Ala. (WAKA) – Two former Alabama prison system workers have been arrested in a contraband investigation at Elmore Correctional Facility.

The Alabama Department of Corrections says Niana Longmire and Carmelo Hopkins were arrested on felony charges related to the attempted introduction of contraband into the prison.

ADOC says on Sunday, June 28, K-9 handlers and narcotics agents conducted a joint investigation which led to the arrests.

Investigators say Longmire admitted to previously introducing contraband into the facility and identified additional contraband which was recovered before it entered the prison. Longmire has
been charged with conspiracy to commit drug trafficking – fentanyl, conspiracy to commit drug trafficking – methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit drug trafficking – opioids, conspiracy to commit drug trafficking – synthetic cannabinoids, promoting prison contraband – 1st, and promoting prison contraband – 2nd.

ADOC says further investigation determined that Hopkins knowingly conspired in the criminal activity. Hopkins was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime (Promoting Prison Contraband – 1st).

This is what investigators say was seized:

Total pills: 159 g
Total fentanyl: 138 g
Methamphetamine – 29 g
Spray paper – 152 g
Flakka – 109 g
Two folding knives
Two USB drives
Two AirPods
One digital scale
10 earbuds
12 cell phones
10 USB cords

Longmire and Hopkins resigned their positions. The investigation is ongoing and further charges may be pending.