10 Indicted in Contraband Schemes at Jessup Correctional Institution
BALTIMORE, MD - Ten people, including three correctional employees, have been indicted in connection with three separate contraband smuggling schemes at the Jessup Correctional Institution (JCI) in Anne Arundel County. The indictments were announced by Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and are the result of an investigation led by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General's Organized Crime Unit and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
"We trust correctional staff to keep prisons safe - not smuggle contraband to the people they supervise," said Attorney General Brown. "Our Office will always prosecute public servants who abuse their positions and undermine prison safety."
DPSCS Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs stated that the department holds its employees to the highest standards and takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. "Upon learning of potential wrongdoing, the Department initiated a comprehensive investigation, which culminated in warrants being issued for the individuals involved," Secretary Scruggs said. She noted that any charged DPSCS employee will be suspended throughout the disciplinary process.
First Conspiracy
In one scheme, Correctional Officer Sergeant Awungjia Rita Atabong, a 13-year veteran, is accused of smuggling drugs into JCI for multiple incarcerated individuals. The indictment alleges Atabong met with outside associates to receive contraband packages, which she then brought into the facility.
She communicated with inmates using contraband cell phones and received thousands of dollars for her role. In one instance, Atabong allegedly warned an inmate about an active contraband interdiction operation.
On July 14, 2025, a search of her residence in Anne Arundel County uncovered a large amount of contraband packaged for smuggling. Items seized included fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA, cannabis, psilocin, buprenorphine, tobacco, and cell phones.
Atabong, 39, faces a 40-count indictment including charges of misconduct in office and contraband conspiracy. Four JCI inmates-Michael Cates, 33; Tavon Williams, 41; Tyrell Smith, 36; and James Gilyard IV, 36-are also charged in connection with this conspiracy.
Second Conspiracy
In a separate scheme, Correctional Educator Lakesha Murry, 49, allegedly smuggled drugs, food, and other items for her incarcerated students in exchange for money and luxury goods, including a Gucci bag. Murry is accused of communicating with students via a contraband cell phone and distributing items inside the JCI classroom.
Security footage reportedly captured Murry kissing one of her incarcerated students. On June 9, 2025, she allegedly passed cigarettes and paper soaked with synthetic cannabis to an inmate.
Murry faces a 15-count indictment, including charges of misconduct in office and contraband conspiracy. Two JCI inmates, Allen Mitchell, 39, and Kevin Glover, 46, are charged alongside her.
Third Conspiracy
The third conspiracy involves Correctional Officer Kathryn Hawes, 29, who was allegedly in an inappropriate relationship with inmate Artemis Booker, 50. Hawes is accused of coordinating with incarcerated co-conspirators through a contraband cell phone and providing items, including a watch that was later found in Booker's cell. At the time of her arrest, Hawes was allegedly found with additional contraband she had smuggled into the facility.
Hawes faces a 3-count indictment for misconduct in office and contraband conspiracy. Booker is charged in a 7-count indictment that includes contraband conspiracy and illegal possession of a telecommunications device.
Court Proceedings
The cases have been charged in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County. Murry, Atabong, and Hawes have been released on their own recognizance. The incarcerated individuals charged in these schemes are currently serving other sentences.
Attorney General Brown also noted that several other inmates were charged in September 2025 for possessing contraband phones uncovered during the investigation.
Disclosure: All individuals mentioned in this article are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Eastern Shore Undercover® does not express or imply any opinion regarding the incident reported.
