OPELOUSAS, La. ( KLFY ) — A corrections officer and an alleged “significant narcotics dealer” have been arrested in connection with a scheme to smuggle drugs into the St. Landry Parish Jail. The investigation is far from over, according to the sheriff, and more arrests are possible.
Sheriff Bobby Guidroz said the information that detectives have gathered is “definitely worth pursuing.”
“More charges will be filed. More corrections officers will be terminated,” the sheriff said.
Corrections deputy Timothy Lazare, 36, of Opelousas , was the first to be arrested in the case. He was charged with two counts of malfeasance in office, and one count each of criminal conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility and introducing contraband into a penal facility.
The second arrest was made shortly later. Nicklous Thomas, 37, of Eunice , has been described by the sheriff’s office as being a “significant narcotics dealer” and was allegedly arrested with more than $12,000 cash in his possession. He faces charges of criminal conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility, distribution of Schedule I drugs, distribution of Schedule III drugs and distribution of Schedule IV drugs.