Great Lakes Wire

LANSING – Michigan Department of Corrections Officer Joshua Evans, 48, of Jackson, was arraigned yesterday in the 12th District Court in Jackson for allegedly smuggling narcotics into the Parnall Correctional Facility. The announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Evans faces charges including one count of Delivery/Manufacture of Schedule 1, 2, and 3 Controlled Substances Except Marihuana, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, and Cocaine—a felony carrying a maximum sentence of seven years—and one count of Bringing Contraband into Prisons, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.

On July 11, Evans was allegedly found in possession of 151 strips of Buprenorphine (brand name Suboxone), a Schedule 3 substance, in the visiting room at Parnall Correctional Facility.

“Smuggling narcotics into a prison not only endangers the lives of inmates and staff but also undermines some of the rehabilitation efforts that are crucially in place in our penitentiaries,” said Nessel. “My department will continue working with our law enforcement partners to maintain the integrity of our correctional facilities and ensure those who violate the law are held accountable.”

The investigation was conducted by Michigan State Police and remains active. Evans is scheduled to appear next in the 12th District Court for a Probable Cause Conference on August 16 at 1 p.m.

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Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.