Correctional officer arrested on drug charges

FLORIDAN STAFF REPORT
Published: May 12, 2008

A state correctional officer at the Washington Correctional Institution near Chipley wound up behind bars himself last weekend after being accused of smuggling contraband into the prison and selling it to inmates.

According to a press release from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Ivan Duke Peters, 34, is charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver, smuggling contraband into a detention facility, and with unlawful compensation.

Peters was arrested while on duty Saturday evening, according to the press release.

Other arrests and charges are expected in the case, officials reported.

Peters came under investigation after officers received information suggesting that he had been bringing contraband into the prison in return for cash from inmates housed at the state’s WCI, according to the press release.

“I would like to praise the hard work by officers at both Washington CI, as well as the investigators from our office while working this case,” stated Washington County Sheriff Bobby Haddock. “There were many man hours put into shutting down this illegal operation and the partnership between agencies ensured that the goal was achieved.”

Authorities could not immediately be reached for further in formation in the case.