Correctional Officer Among Five Indicted in Nashville Jail Drug Investigation Following Inmate’s Death

Nashville, TN – Arrests Made in Jail Drug Investigation

In a significant development in an ongoing investigation, five individuals have been indicted connected to the introduction of drugs into Nashville’s jail system. This situation has raised serious concerns about the safety and integrity of correctional facilities in the area. Among those arrested is Charles Kelley, a correctional officer with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, who was charged recently while still employed at the jail.

Details of the Investigation

The investigation began over a year ago and was spurred by the tragic death of Daniel Prisco, an 18-year-old inmate. Prisco was found unresponsive in his cell at the Harding Place facility on September 19, 2023. An autopsy revealed that he died of acute fentanyl toxicity. At that time, Prisco was awaiting trial for several felony charges, including aggravated assault.

Since Prisco’s death, detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division’s Neighborhood Safety Overdose Unit, aided by the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services Unit, turned their attention to the jail system. Their efforts unveiled a network of conspirators who were allegedly working to introduce drugs into the facility.

Charges Against the Indicted

Of the five people indicted, three are current inmates, and two are outside associates. Charles Kelley faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, engaging in a fentanyl delivery conspiracy, and delivering contraband into a penal facility. He was employed as a correctional officer since February and was promptly terminated following the latest developments in the investigation.

Besides Kelley, two other inmates have been specifically named in the new indictment:

• Emmanual Webb, 30, awaiting trial on a first-degree murder indictment, has been charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, engaging in a fentanyl delivery conspiracy, and delivering contraband.
• William Sigsby, 28, and Joshua Young, 38, both face similar charges, including conspiracy to commit second-degree murder and fentanyl delivery.

In addition, the investigation has implicated Devin Popejoy, a civilian woman and alleged associate of Webb. She has been charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree murder and engaging in a fentanyl delivery conspiracy. It is alleged that she aided Webb in facilitating drug-related communication while he was incarcerated.

Legal Proceedings Moving Forward

All the suspects who have been indicted are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The specifics of these charges raise serious concerns about the safety of the inmates within the jail system and the processes in place to mitigate drug-related issues. The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office is committed to thoroughly investigating these matters to ensure accountability and maintain the integrity of the corrections system.

Broader Implications

This situation highlights critical issues related to drug safety within correctional facilities. The introduction of substances like fentanyl poses a significant risk not only to the inmates involved but also to the staff and the overall safety of the facility. Authorities are expected to continue their investigation to uncover any additional connections or networks of illegal activity within the jail system.

As this investigation continues to unfold, concerned citizens are urged to stay informed about the details and any potential implications for public safety. The community is understandably invested in the outcomes of such serious allegations and the future measures that will be implemented to ensure a safe jail environment.

Conclusion

The charges in Nashville’s ongoing drug introduction investigation serve as a wake-up call for correctional institutions across the nation. As more information emerges, authorities will likely take steps to address these vulnerabilities, making necessary changes to secure the welfare of all parties involved.