Shawnee Co. Corrections officer arrested on felony charges

A Shawnee Co. Corrections officer is accused of bringing unauthorized items to inmates.

Corrections Specialist Caleb Sanders, 21, was booked Thursday on counts of introducing contraband into a correctional institution and conspiracy to introduce contraband. Both are felonies.

Maj. Timothy Phelps, deputy corrections director, said Sanders worked for the department for just over months.

Authorities launched their investigation when they learned Sanders gave or tried to give items to inmates, Phelps said. He said interviews with inmates, a review of videos, and other evidence led to the charges.

Corrections officials did not say what Sanders allegedly gave inmates, only that it was "non-dangerous." Phelps explained that means it was not drugs or weapons.

"The DOC has a zero tolerance policy regarding the introduction of any unauthorized items, as a serious breach of policy and the community’s trust," Phelps stated in a news release.

Sanders is on administrative leave while an administrative investigation takes place.

He remains jailed with no bond set until he appears before a judge Friday morning, Phelps said.