Orange County CO Caught Bringing Tobacco Into Jail: Sheriff

GOSHEN, NY — An Orange County Sheriff’s Office corrections officer was arrested after being accused of bringing contraband into a prison.

The sheriff’s office said, after a month-long internal investigation conducted by the Corrections Division Crisis Intervention Unit and Office of Professional Standards and Compliance, Corrections Officer Gioron Wilkins was arrested and charged Thursday with one count of second-degree promoting prison contraband, a misdemeanor.

Authorities said Wilkins smuggled tobacco products into the correctional facility with the intent to provide them to prisoners.

Also, he had in his possession an unauthorized cellular device while inside the secure area of a correctional facility.

Wilkins was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Goshen Court. He was placed on administrative leave.

Sheriff Paul Arteta said he and his administration were committed to the integrity and security of the Orange County Correctional Facility.

“My administration is transparent,” he said. “Nevertheless, we will not allow conduct of this nature to diminish the professionalism of this agency and our staff. We will continue to uphold the highest standards.”