A Louisiana State Penitentiary investigation intercepted an attempt to smuggle contraband by a corrections cadet at the prison Wednesday. West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Deputies booked 58-year-old Dexter Champagne of 971 Highway 1187, Mansura, Louisiana on a drug charge Wednesday evening.
Investigators discovered marijuana at a drop point within the prison, and inside Champagne's car, which totaled almost a quarter pound. The investigation also determined that Champagne received a cellphone from an inmate's family in order to arrange contraband smuggling. During the investigation, Champagne admitted to smuggling the drugs into the prison.
West Feliciana Parish Deputies booked Champange with one count felony distribution of schedule 1 (marijuana).
Champagne had been employed at Louisiana State Penitentiary since December 9, 2019. He held the rank of cadet, and resigned during the investigation.
The DOC is turning over the information from this investigation to the FBI and the Sheriff's Office.