NEW ORLEANS — The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputy recruit Elexis Gardner was arrested and fired on Monday for allegedly smuggling an opiate-derived drug into the Orleans Justice Center.
A sheriff’s office spokesperson says as part of an investigation by OPSO’s Investigative Services Bureau a search of the jail was conducted which recovered 17 packets of 12mg Suboxone Film.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, Suboxone is used to treat recovering heroin and opioid addiction but can be abused if not taken as prescribed.
The sheriff’s office says detectives were able to link the substance to the recruit, and following an interview on Monday, Gardener was arrested for smuggling contraband into the OJC and for one count of malfeasance in office.
Gardener was immediately terminated the sheriff’s office reports. She was hired at OPSO in August of 2022 as a deputy recruit and was assigned to the Orleans Justice Center.
“We pride ourselves on hiring professional and qualified talent at the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and we expect them to perform their duties with honesty and integrity at all times,” Sheriff Susan Hutson said. “While I am disappointed by this recruit’s actions, I am proud of our detectives who worked diligently on this investigation to ensure we are holding ourselves accountable.
“This should serve as a notice that if any member of our staff fails to live up to the core values of this department to this magnitude, we will be swift to take action as we work to ensure the safety of those in our custody.”
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has been marked with a few controversies and difficulties within the jail and its understaffed operation.
In March, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson abruptly fired her Chief Financial Officer David Trautenberg after looking into the sheriff's possible misuse of hotel rooms for deputies during Mardi Gras. Four other top executives were also fired the sheriff says was part of her restructuring plan.
In April, an inmate being transported to University Medical Center for an exam escaped custody but was recaptured by deputies after a manhunt.
Then in May, an Orleans Justice Center inmate died after he was found unresponsive in his cell.
Recently Sheriff Hutson asked New Orleans residents to vote yes to a millage that would increase their property tax to help the OPSO in beefing up staff and security at the jail but it was voted down by the voters.
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