KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A former correctional officer has been accused of smuggling contraband to prisoners at Leavenworth Detention Center.
Willie Golden allegedly provided at least three prisoners with contraband, including tobacco, cell phones and marijuana, in exchange for money between April and November 2020, according to court documents.
Records state that he also smuggled contraband for additional inmates on behalf of other public officials.
Golden reportedly received more than $7,300 in payments through Cash App. Records state that there were around 22 payments made ranging from $50-$2,000.
CoreCivic, the company that runs the prison, said its priority continues to be the safety of both staff and inmates.
"The individual in this case was placed on administrative leave as soon as he was suspected of contraband introduction, in accordance with our zero-tolerance policy. He resigned before the investigation concluded," CoreCivic Public Affairs Manager Matthew Davio said in a statement.
According to Davio, the facility staff and leadership is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
"CoreCivic has a zero-tolerance policy for the introduction of contraband into our facilities and we will always work with our law enforcement partners to take swift action to address this type of behavior," he said.
