Ridgeland teen arrested for bringing drugs into prison

Demetria Meeks' 17-year-old brother, Robert, was arrested when drugs fell out of his shorts while visiting her in prison. Demetria (pictured) is serving an 18-year sentence for armed robbery. (MDOC photo)

From The Mississippi Link Newswire

JACKSON – A Ridgeland teenager was arrested earlier this month at the Rankin County prison for allegedly having marijuana while attempting to visit his sister.

Demetria Meeks' 17-year-old brother, Robert, was arrested when drugs fell out of his shorts while visiting her in prison. Demetria (pictured) is serving an 18-year sentence for armed robbery. (MDOC photo)

Robert Meeks, 17, was arrested Saturday, May 7 at Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) and charged with possession of marijuana.  Officers initially detained him for having tobacco after the contraband fell out of his walking shorts as he was about to enter the visitation center.

A further examination revealed 54 grams of marijuana hidden in the contraband, investigators said.

“Since late March we have arrested at least six other visitors for bringing in contraband or being in possession of drugs at one of our state prisons,” Commissioner Christopher B. Epps said. “We will continue to announce such arrests. Keeping out contraband is a major issue for correction officials nationwide.”

Meeks was transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Pelahatchie. Not only is he facing a criminal charge but also he is banned from CMCF. Meeks’ sister, Inmate Demetria Meeks, 33, is serving 18 years for armed robbery in Neshoba County.  She is scheduled for release in 2014.