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A deputy at the Caddo Correctional Center has been arrested for smuggling contraband into the facility, according to Sheriff Henry Whitehorn Sr.

Chardell S. Edwards, 30, had been on administrative leave since October 20 due to an ongoing investigation into allegations that she brought contraband to inmates while on duty at the Caddo Correctional Center. Edwards has been employed by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office since July 2022.

On October 28, she was arrested at the Caddo Parish Sheriff's detective office after a thorough investigation. Edwards faces one count of malfeasance in office and one count of bringing contraband into or out of a penal institution. She has been booked into the Caddo Correctional Center on the aforementioned charges, with a $2,500 bond set for each charge.

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***UPDATE***

Ongoing investigation leads to additional arrests, stated Henry Whitehorn Sr.

Investigator Matt Purgerson advanced the investigation into the incident involving Chardell S. Edwards. He discovered that an inmate at the Caddo Correctional Center, Chamorea Bell, 29, orchestrated a meeting between Edwards and his girlfriend, Chamarian Worthy, 23. At a location that remains undisclosed, Worthy was to provide contraband to Edwards so she could deliver it to Bell, who is incarcerated in the Caddo Correctional Center.
Detective Purgerson obtained warrants for Bell and Worthy for transporting contraband to and from a penal institution. The warrants were signed by the Honorable Judge C. Victory, with a bond set at $15,000 each.

Purgerson, along with other investigators, went to Worthy's residence, arrested her on the warrant, and transported her to the Caddo Correctional Center, where she was booked for the aforementioned charge.

Bell is still incarcerated, and the new charge has been added to his ongoing case. Prior to this charge, he was awaiting trial for several offenses, including: failure to have proper equipment required on his vehicle, improper turning movements and signaling, manufacture and distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm while possessing controlled substances, possession of a firearm while concealing a weapon as a felon, and parole violation.

The case is ongoing. 

For questions regarding this press release, please contact Breck Scott