LAPLACE, La. — The St. John Sheriff's Office arrested deputy Jeff Patterson on Friday and then others – including an inmate – on Monday in connection with contraband smuggling at the Sherman Walker Correctional Facility in LaPlace, La.
According to the sheriff's office, Patterson was fired after an internal investigation revealed the six-year SJSO chaplain was allegedly observed on surveillance video taking contraband into the parish jail.
The 62-year-old, who admitted that he knowingly violated the law and department policy, was booked on two counts of taking contraband to/from penal institutions prohibited and two counts of malfeasance in office – all felony charges.
Patterson, who was arrested after his termination, was released on bond.
Chelsea Sanderson, 28, was also arrested in connection with the investigation.
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She was booked with conspiracy to bring contraband into a penal institution and is being held in the parish jail under a $10,000 bond.
Eli Moore, an inmate at the facility, was also arrested and booked with conspiracy to bring contraband into a penal institution.
He remains in custody in the parish jail.
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