MANSFIELD, Ohio – Richland Correctional Institution recently took steps to make its grounds more secure.
A black netting was installed above the outside fence of the correctional facility, attached to poles that extend well above the security fence.
Representatives from RiCI could not be reached for comment on the addition.
JoEllen Smith, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, confirmed the netting was installed to enhance security.
“DRC has zero tolerance for contraband and interdiction is a matter we take very seriously,” she said in an email. “Routine and unannounced security inspections are conducted at all DRC facilities, however we cannot disclose the specifics of those inspections for security reasons.”
On the morning of Sept. 20, 19-year-old Jawaun Scruggs, of Akron, was arrested after attempting to throw a .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, cellphones, and tobacco over the fence at RiCI.
Smith noted that plans to install the netting were in place before Sept. 20.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s report of the incident, RiCI staff reported that the suspect tried to place the contraband in the morning of Sept. 20. The items were found in a field neighboring the perimeter fence.
Scruggs was charged with illegal conveyance of deadly weapons, criminal trespass, and illegal conveyance of prohibited items – deliver/attempt to deliver electronic communication devices.
Additionally, a drone dropped a package that contained tobacco, marijuana, and heroin in July at the other local corrections facility – Mansfield Correctional Institution.
The Richland Correctional Institution houses approximately 2,500 inmates, according to the ODRC.
