The last suspect sought in the investigation of drugs being smuggled into the Lincoln Parish Detention Center was arrested Wednesday.
Asa L. Lewis, 33, of Ruston, was arrested on warrants by the Lincoln Parish Narcotics Enforcement Team as he left the Walmart Supercenter tire center about 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Earlier this month, ten inmates housed at the detention center were charged in connection with a smuggling operation to bring drugs into the facility. At that time, Captain Randy Williams of the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office detention center staff said all those charged in the investigation are sentenced state department of corrections inmates as opposed to prisoners awaiting trial.
As part of that investigation, LPNET obtained arrest warrants for Lewis charging him with distribution of synthetic marijuana, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, and criminal conspiracy.
“The case was made through the use of surveillance video and interviews after we learned of the conspiracy through a confidential source,” Williams told the Lincoln Parish Journal, noting that many hours of video were viewed to identify suspects.
Just before Lewis was arrested, he was seen leaning into the window of a vehicle. A set of digital scales and a “joint” were seen in plain view by deputies. A search of the car recovered a plastic bag of synthetic marijuana.
Lewis was booked for possession of synthetic marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia in addition to the three warrants.
Bail was set at $121,000. Lewis is also being held for the Probation & Parole Office of the Louisiana Department of Corrections.
Lincoln Parish Sheriff Stephen Williams commended his staff for the detailed investigation into the incident. “Some offenders don’t stop committing crimes just because they are behind bars. Our staff is very vigilant in working to prevent such acts and to protect the safety of those housed in the facility.”
