MORGAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee Department of Correction said Friday a group of East Tennessee residents and inmates have been charged in an extensive TDOC investigation into the introduction of contraband into state prisons.

TDOC’s Office of Investigations & Compliance, in conjunction with the interdiction team and prison staff, resulted in charges ranging from drug possession, simple assault, and introduction of contraband into a penal facility. The indictments were issued by the Morgan County Grand Jury and warrants were served on Thursday by TDOC agents with the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Morristown Police Department and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

Julia Short of Anderson County, Billy Nichols of Morgan County, and Abigail Ware of Knox County were all charged in the operation. FULL STORY HERE