Athens County, Ohio – In a swift response to concerning evidence, a collaborative effort between the Southeast Major Crimes Task Force and the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail has resulted in the arrest of a former corrections officer.
Tip Leads to Investigation
Sheriff Smith, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, has confirmed that command staff at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail brought a critical piece of evidence to the attention of the Southeast Major Crimes Task Force. This evidence reportedly implicated a corrections officer in the illicit transportation and distribution of prohibited items within the jail facility.
The Task Force promptly launched a comprehensive investigation, and the evidence gathered corroborated the initial suspicions. The investigation revealed a scheme involving numerous inmates utilizing a digital currency application to transfer money to a corrections officer. In exchange for these illicit payments, the officer allegedly distributed contraband, including nicotine pouches and illegal narcotics, to inmates within the facility.
Following a successful investigation, William McMillan Jr., a 24-year-old resident of Glouster, was identified as the suspect. On March 14th, 2024, authorities located McMillan in Trimble Township and apprehended him. He was subsequently transported to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. During the interview, McMillan reportedly confessed to accepting money from inmates and, in return, providing them with contraband.
Based on the gathered evidence and his confession, McMillan was arrested and charged with two felony offenses: Drug Trafficking (F4) and Illegal Conveyance of Drugs/Prohibited Items Onto Grounds of Detention Facility (F3). Given his prior employment at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, authorities transported McMillan to the Muskingum County Jail for his own safety.
McMillan’s initial court appearance occurred on March 15th, 2024, in Municipal Court. He was released on his own recognizance, with an ankle monitor serving as a mandatory condition of his release. The case will now be forwarded to the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office for further review and potential additional charges.
Sheriff Smith and the Southeast Major Crimes Task Force have commended the cooperation between authorities and their swift action in addressing this alleged breach of security within the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. The investigation and subsequent arrest send a clear message that such illicit activity will not be tolerated. The community awaits further developments as the case progresses through the legal system.
