Prison guard arrested after contraband found on him, in his vehicle before shift

ST. GABRIEL, La. (WAFB) – A third person was arrested within 48 hours from the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center after allegedly bringing contraband into the prison.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections announced that 30-year-old Cadet Jaunya Spiller, a correctional officer at the prison, was arrested after a cellphone and drug-laced paper were allegedly discovered on him during a body scan. Authorities say the scan was conducted upon arrival to his shift on Monday, June 15, and the paper tested positive for cocaine.

According to officials, a loaded firearm was also found in the glove compartment of Spiller’s vehicle.

Jaunya Spiller(IPSO)

“This arrest is a prime example of the proactive measures we are making every day across our correctional facilities to prevent contraband from entering our institutions,” said Gary Westcott, the department secretary. “The message is clear: criminal activity will not be tolerated.”

The department says so far this year, four EHCC employees have been arrested for introducing contraband into the facility.

Spiller’s arrest comes after two women visiting the prison over the weekend were arrested for allegedly bringing in marijuana with the intent to distribute.

Spiller was originally hired at the prison in March 2026. He has since been fired.

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