Alabama Prison Guard Arrested After Investigators Recover Nearly 482 Grams Of Liquid Synthetic Cannabinoids

LIMESTONE COUNTY, AL. (BuzzReport) — An Alabama Department of Corrections security guard has been arrested following a contraband investigation at Limestone Correctional Facility, where investigators reportedly recovered nearly 482 grams of liquid synthetic cannabinoids.

Authorities say the investigation uncovered allegations that the correctional employee was involved in a relationship with an inmate and played a role in a suspected contraband operation inside the state prison.

The Alabama Department of Corrections identified the employee as Shalonda Kelly, who now faces multiple criminal charges stemming from the investigation.

According to ADOC, Kelly is charged with trafficking, custodial sexual misconduct, second-degree promoting prison contraband, use of office for personal gain and conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime.

The nearly 482 grams of liquid synthetic cannabinoids recovered during the investigation are at the center of the allegations. Synthetic cannabinoids are laboratory-produced substances designed to affect the body’s cannabinoid receptors. Some are marketed or disguised as other products, and certain formulations can cause serious and unpredictable health effects.

The alleged discovery raises concerns about how prohibited substances may have been brought into a correctional facility and whether someone entrusted with maintaining prison security allegedly helped facilitate their presence.

ADOC has not provided further details in the information released about how the substance was allegedly introduced into the facility, who investigators believe was involved in the suspected trafficking activity beyond Kelly, or whether additional arrests are expected.

Investigation Involved Prison Intelligence Personnel

The department said correctional staff at Limestone Correctional Facility worked alongside its Real Time Intelligence Center to assist with the investigation that ultimately led to Kelly’s arrest.

The involvement of the intelligence center points to an investigation focused on identifying and examining suspected criminal activity within the prison system.

Correctional facilities rely on security personnel to prevent prohibited items from entering prison grounds, maintain order and protect both inmates and employees. Allegations involving an employee and suspected contraband can raise serious questions about institutional security and the potential risks to people inside the facility.

ADOC confirmed that Kelly has resigned from her position.

Her resignation follows the criminal allegations, but the charges remain accusations that must be addressed through the court system.

Multiple Charges Filed

Kelly faces five charges, including trafficking and custodial sexual misconduct, as well as allegations involving prison contraband, misuse of her official position and conspiracy.

The custodial sexual misconduct charge is connected to ADOC’s statement that Kelly was involved in a relationship with an inmate. The department has not provided additional details about the alleged relationship or the circumstances surrounding that charge.

The trafficking and conspiracy charges are connected to the suspected controlled-substance activity under investigation. The charge of promoting prison contraband concerns the alleged introduction or facilitation of prohibited items inside a correctional facility.

The use-of-office charge alleges improper use of an official position for personal gain.

The precise allegations supporting each charge, including the evidence investigators gathered and the role Kelly is accused of playing, have not been fully detailed in the information provided by ADOC.

Case Remains Under Investigation

The arrest underscores the seriousness of allegations involving contraband and possible misconduct by someone employed to oversee prison security.

ADOC has confirmed Kelly’s arrest, the recovery of nearly 482 grams of liquid synthetic cannabinoids, her resignation and the charges she faces. Additional information about the investigation, court proceedings and any potential co-defendants has not been released in the details available.