Spiller arrest makes 13th Elayn Hunt Correctional Center employee case
Cadet Jaunya Spiller, 30, was arrested Monday after a body scan before his shift at elayn hunt correctional center found a cellphone and drug-laced paper. Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies later searched his car and found a loaded gun.
Spiller faces three felony charges: distribution of cocaine, introducing contraband to a penal institution, and malfeasance in office. A Department of Corrections spokesperson said he is the 13th Elayn Hunt employee to be arrested this year.
Spiller’s March hire
Spiller was hired in March and fired after less than four months on the job, according to the facts provided. He was first questioned by Elayn Hunt investigators in connection with an investigation that began in May.
During an interview with deputies, Spiller said he planned to give the paper to an inmate. Authorities said three blank sheets of paper were found on him, and two tested positive for cocaine.
Westcott’s statement
Gary Westcott, the Department of Public Safety and Corrections secretary, said of Spiller’s arrest: “The message is clear: criminal activity will not be tolerated.” His statement came as the department said security measures and accountability efforts have been intensified at the facility.
The arrest adds to a string of employee and visitor cases tied to the St. Gabriel facility. A State Police investigation requested by the Department of Corrections is ongoing.
Smith and Blade arrests
On Saturday, Shermaniqua Smith, 26, of Shreveport, and Marshayla Blade, 23, from Bossier City, were arrested after a routine screening found a bag of marijuana and pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes while they were visiting the detention center. Both were booked into the Iberville Parish Jail.
Smith and Blade each face one charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one charge of introduction of contraband into a penal institution. The Department of Corrections said an additional 34 civilians visiting the facility have been arrested in 2026.
Warden Travis Day began overseeing the St. Gabriel facility in January, and the latest arrest places new attention on the facility’s screening process. For employees and visitors entering the prison, the result has been tighter checks and quicker arrests when contraband is found.
