Two arrested at South Miss. prison after pipe bomb found

From The Mississippi Link Newswire

JACKSON – Two people are facing charges in connection with a pipe bomb found during a routine search of a vehicle at the state prison in Greene County during visitation over the weekend.

“We don’t believe the pipe bomb was intended for the prison, nor do we believe the inmate whom they were planning to visit had knowledge of it,” said Sean K. Smith, director of the Corrections Investigation Division of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. “We are fortunate that we found the device during a routine search of the visitors’ vehicle. They never got past the secure entrance gate off the highway.”

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents were notified, arrived and took possession of the device, which was later disposed of without incident.

Robin D. Baker, 43, of Gulfport, and William Glen Harberson of Carriere were arrested at South Mississippi Correctional Institution (SMCI) in Leakesville Saturday morning after the pipe bomb was found in the trunk of their vehicle.

Baker was coming to visit an inmate at the south Mississippi prison.

In addition to the pipe bomb, a machete, two knives, and tobacco were found in the vehicle.

Baker and Harberson were taken to the Greene County Jail. Each is charged under state law with possession of an explosive device and possession of contraband items at a correctional facility.   Harberson also is facing federal charges.

“These arrests should serve as a reminder that vehicles entering our correctional facilities are searched, including those of  staff, law enforcement, vendors, state officials and anyone else,” Commissioner Christopher B. Epps said.