An Aramark Food Service employee was barred entry on Wednesday to the Westville Correctional Facility (WCF) for attempted trafficking, the Indiana Department of Correction (DOC) said.

According to a statement released by DOC, Erika Garner was found to have a package on her person containing marijuana, three cellular telephones, and chargers when she was searched on arriving at work. Garner was arrested on site by the Indiana State Police on charges of trafficking with an offender-controlled substance, a Class D felony punishable by a term of six months to three years; and bribery of a public official, a Class C felony punishable by a term of two to eight years, DOC said.

Garner, 52, of Michigan City, began working at WCF in September 2008, DOC said.

WCF Superintendent praised Main Gate officers for their excellent job in searching staff on entering the facility. “This is another example of our ongoing commitment to eliminate the introduction of prohibited items into this facility, regardless of the source,” he said.

“The Indiana Department of Correction is committed to maintaining a safe prison environment,” DOC Commissioner Ed Buss said. “We will not tolerate any attempt to compromise the safety and security of any facility by staff or offenders.”

Posted 3/19/2009