2 arrested in prison contraband investigation

JACKSON, Tenn. — Investigators arrested a Jackson woman accused of supplying a corrections officer with drugs for inmates. The Tennessee Department of Correction said they believe the officer smuggled contraband into the prison for months.

“It’s a constant battle,” TDOC Special Agent Nicky Jordan said.

Jordan said they take contraband seriously. “People get talked into doing things,” he said. “They need to ask themselves, is it worth it?”

Joi Phelps appeared Monday in Jackson City Court on multiple counts including drug possession and money laundering. Investigators said she delivered marijuana last month to a corrections officer at a Burger King in Jackson meant for inmates at the South Central Correctional Facility in Clifton, Tenn.

“Cell phones, tobacco and drugs is a very lucrative business,” Jordan said.

Investigators said they also arrested Corrections Corporation of America Correctional Officer Holly Kiddy-Williams, who is not in the Hardin County Jail.

Jordan said they caught Kiddy-Williams trying to sneak marijuana into the prison in Clifton earlier this year. “Our investigation found that she had sexual contact with an inmate there,” he said.

Jordan said they believe Phelps delivered contraband to the correctional officer on multiple occasions. “We also believe that there are other individuals that are yet to be identified and yet to be arrested,” he said.

Jordan said the inmates involved will also face charges.

Kiddy-Williams is currently being held in lieu of a $25,000 bond in Hardin County. She is due in court Tuesday morning. Phelps is scheduled to return to court March 31.