Lake Charles, Louisiana – A coordinated drug smuggling operation targeting the Calcasieu Correctional Center has resulted in the arrest of five individuals, including two Lake Charles residents and three current inmates, following an investigation by the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force.
The investigation began on August 25 when Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered a bag containing illegal narcotics during a routine perimeter check of the correctional facility. The bag contained one ounce of PCP, over 18 grams of crystal methamphetamine, over 70 grams of synthetic marijuana, 2.5 sheets of paper suspected to be sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids, and three packs of cigarettes.
Working with corrections personnel and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center, Combined Anti-Drug Task Force detectives identified Robert L. Thomas Jr., 35, and Brittany G. Guillory, 36, both of Lake Charles, as the individuals responsible for placing the contraband on correctional center property.
Thomas and Guillory were arrested on August 26 and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. Both face charges of introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, criminal conspiracy, three counts of distribution of controlled dangerous substance schedule I, and distribution of controlled dangerous substance schedule II. Judge Tony Fazzio set their bonds at $295,000 each.
The investigation expanded to identify a third conspirator already housed within the facility. Jarvis O. Billups, 35, was determined to be the organizer of the illegal operation designed to introduce narcotics into the correctional center. Billups received additional charges of criminal conspiracy, attempted introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, three counts of attempted distribution of controlled dangerous substance schedule I, and attempted distribution of controlled dangerous substance schedule II. Judge Fazzio set an additional bond of $125,000 for these charges.
Billups was already incarcerated on Lake Charles Police Department charges from July 2025, including three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, as well as a parole violation.
During a subsequent search of the correctional facility, deputies and Combined Anti-Drug Task Force detectives discovered two additional inmates in possession of illegal narcotics. Duntavious O. Oneal Jr., 28, and Walter L. Lewis Sr., 41, were found with paper sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids.
Both Oneal and Lewis were charged with possession of contraband in a correctional facility and possession of controlled dangerous substance schedule I. Judge Fazzio set bonds at $41,000 for each defendant. Oneal was serving time for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, while Lewis was incarcerated on Lake Charles Police Department charges from 2023 for felony theft, armed robbery, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
“We remain committed to maintaining the safety and security of our correctional facilities,” Sheriff Stitch Guillory stated. “We will continue to investigate and hold anyone who attempts to smuggle illegal substances or contraband into our facilities accountable.”
The Combined Anti-Drug Task Force represents a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies focused on stopping illegal drug trafficking throughout Calcasieu Parish. The multi-agency approach allows investigators to pool resources and expertise when targeting complex drug operations.
Controlled dangerous substances are classified into different schedules based on their potential for abuse and accepted medical use. Schedule I substances, such as PCP and synthetic marijuana, are considered to have high abuse potential with no accepted medical use. Schedule II substances include certain stimulants and depressants that have accepted medical uses but still carry significant abuse potential.
The case highlights ongoing challenges correctional facilities face regarding contraband introduction. Synthetic cannabinoids, often called “spice” or “K2,” have become particularly problematic in jail and prison settings due to their ability to be sprayed onto paper and their difficulty to detect through traditional screening methods.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.