Two Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Corrections deputies have been arrested following an investigation into the introduction of illegal drugs and contraband into LPCC.
The deputies, identified as 57-year-old Dennis Brasseaux and 46-year-old John Gradnigo were arrested and booked in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on Thursday, August 15.
Both Gradnigo and Brasseaux have been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Gradnigo was booked on the following charges:
- Malfeasance in Office (La.R.S. 14:134),
- Contraband defined; certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited; penalty (La.R.S. 14:402),
- Conspiracy to commit: Contraband defined; certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited; penalty ( La.R.S. 14:26/14:402 ),
- Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance (La.R.S. 40:966)
- Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (La.R.S. 40:967).
Brasseaux was booked on the following charges:
- Malfeasance in Office (La.R.S. 14:134)
- Contraband defined; certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited; penalty (La.R.S. 14:402)
The investigation is ongoing. The Sheriff's Office says that additional charges and arrests are expected.
In a release Sheriff Mark Garber says, “The safety and well-being of our staff and the offenders housed in our correctional facilities is vital. We will not tolerate anything that jeopardizes that security."
