Indianapolis, IN – A Marion County corrections officer was arrested Monday after allegedly attempting to traffic narcotics into the Adult Detention Center, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
The MCSO Criminal Division said its Intelligence Unit intercepted jail communications suggesting an employee was involved in trafficking drugs. Detectives confronted corrections officer Bryce Byrdsong when he reported for duty and allegedly found narcotics on him. A consent search of his vehicle reportedly uncovered more drugs.
According to Sheriff Kerry Forestal, Byrdsong, who had been with the sheriff’s office for just over a year and had no prior disciplinary issues, was immediately terminated from his position and booked into the same facility where he once worked.
“The public places immense trust in their public safety officials, and that trust is non-negotiable,” Sheriff Forestal said in a statement. “Today’s arrest makes that clear.”
Detectives will seek charges against Byrdsong, including official misconduct, trafficking with an inmate, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana. Final charging decisions will be made by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials emphasized that all individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
