Ten People Indicted in Three Separate Smuggling Schemes at a Maryland Prison
On December 1, 2025, state prosecutors announced that ten people—including three jail guards—were indicted on criminal charges related to three separate alleged smuggling schemes at the Jesup Correctional Institution (JCI) in Anne Arundel County.
The first of the schemes was a drug smuggling operation led by Awungjia Rita Atabong, a 13-year veteran jail guard with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS), according to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. Atabong, 39, communicated with prisoners using contraband cellphones, and she regularly met with associates of prisoners who provided her with packages to bring into JCI. When police searched Atabong’s home in July of this year, they discovered a large stash of drugs, ranging from nearly 8,000 MDMA pills to synthetic cannabis, tobacco, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Four prisoners were also indicted in the racket.
In the second case, prosecutors claim that Correctional Educator Lakesha Murray, 49, smuggled drugs, food, and other contraband in exchange for money and luxury items (such as a Gucci bag) from the incarcerated students in her classroom. Murray was also caught on security camera kissing a student. Two prisoners were charged in the arrangement.
JCI’s third case centered on DPSCS guard Kathryn Hawes, 29, who allegedly maintained an inappropriate relationship with prisoner Artemis Booker, 50. Hawes’ indictment claims she smuggled a watch, cellphone, and other contraband items for Booker.
Sources: CBS News, The Baltimore Banner
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