CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two employees at a private prison in Youngstown are accused of working together to smuggle in drugs and cellphones.
Jodi Johnson, registered nurse, hid drugs inside food or drink containers and security guard Brenda Dixon allowed her to pass through security into the facility, authorities said.
Johnson and Dixon were charged Tuesday in federal court in Youngstown with possession with the intent to distribute drugs and smuggling contraband.
No attorneys are listed in court records for either woman.
The Northeast Ohio Correctional Center is owned by Tennessee-based CoreCivic. Brian Todd, a spokesman for CoreCivic, said in a statement the company is taking immediate steps to fire Johnson and Dixon.
“Our top priority at all our facilities, including those in Ohio, is the