Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Authorities in Jefferson County, Arkansas, have arrested a 51-year-old suspect in connection with an attempt to smuggle illegal substances into the Dub Brassell Adult Detention Center (DBDC). The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), in coordination with the Tri-County Drug Task Force and Criminal Investigation Division, launched an investigation after jail personnel intercepted the contraband on March 1, 2025.
Contraband Hidden in a Soap Dispenser
During a routine inspection, jail staff discovered a liquid soap dispenser containing illegal substances inside the facility. The confiscated items included approximately 55 grams of suspected K-2 (synthetic marijuana) and around 25 grams of suspected marijuana. Following the discovery, JCSO investigators immediately initiated an investigation to determine the individual responsible for the smuggling attempt.
On March 3, 2025, investigators arrested 51-year-old Tiwanna White, who was identified as the suspect. White was booked into the Dub Brassell Adult Detention Center on probable cause for violating A.C.A. 5-54-119, which prohibits furnishing contraband to a correctional facility. White is now awaiting a probable cause hearing, which will be scheduled at a later date.
Sheriff Commends Staff and Warns Against Future Smuggling Attempts
Following the arrest, Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. commended the jail personnel and investigators for their vigilance and dedication in ensuring the safety of the detention center. “While this continues to be an ongoing challenge for our jail staff, they have not been deterred in making every effort to ensure our facility is the safest possible. Their continued vigilance and dedication to duty continue to shine. Our Investigators are relentless in the pursuit of justice and don’t quit until they have found their suspects. I continue to be proud of all of their actions and dedication to bringing justice to those who choose to commit these crimes.”
Sheriff Woods also issued a stern warning to those who may attempt similar acts in the future. “Let this once again be a message to those who seek to undermine the safety and security of our detention facilities. We will use every resource we have and make every effort to make sure those who commit such acts are found, charged, and prosecuted.”
Commitment to Jail Security and Ongoing Investigations
The JCSO remains committed to ensuring the security of its detention facilities and will continue to enhance screening procedures and intelligence gathering efforts to prevent further attempts to introduce contraband.
Authorities emphasize that they’re doing everything they can to prevent jail smuggling operations, and anyone caught attempting to bring illegal items into the facility will face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
