Lexington, Kentucky, December 9, 2025
Two inmates at the Jessamine County Detention Center were charged with promoting contraband after drugs were discovered during the intake process. Paul Jackson also faces a charge of tampering with evidence. The facility emphasizes its commitment to preventing illegal substances from entering and pursuing full legal action against offenders.
Lexington, Kentucky – Two inmates at the Jessamine County Detention Center have been charged with promoting contraband after attempting to smuggle drugs into the facility. The incident was uncovered during routine intake procedures on Friday, when deputies discovered narcotics on Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson. Jackson faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence. Jessamine County Jailer Jon Sallee emphasized the facility’s commitment to thoroughly investigating any attempts to introduce illegal substances and pursuing charges to the fullest extent of the law.
Details of the Incident
On Friday, deputies initiated an investigation into Binkley and Jackson, who had recently been booked into the Jessamine County Detention Center. During their intake process, narcotics were found on both individuals. As a result, both inmates were charged with promoting contraband. Jackson was also charged with tampering with evidence. The discovery highlights the ongoing efforts by detention center staff to prevent the introduction of illegal substances into the facility.
Facility’s Response
Jessamine County Jailer Jon Sallee stated that any attempt to introduce illegal substances or prohibited items into the facility will be fully investigated. He emphasized that charges will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law, underscoring the facility’s zero-tolerance policy toward contraband.
Background Context
Smuggling contraband into correctional facilities remains a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies. In Kentucky, there have been several instances of individuals attempting to introduce illegal substances into jails and prisons. For example, in October 2025, a former corrections officer at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges after smuggling tobacco and synthetic marijuana into the facility in exchange for over $18,000. These cases highlight the ongoing efforts by correctional facilities to detect and prevent the introduction of contraband, ensuring the safety and security of both staff and inmates.
Related Incidents
- Former Officer Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Drugs into Prison – In October 2025, a former corrections officer at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges after smuggling tobacco and synthetic marijuana into the facility in exchange for over $18,000.
- EMT Arrested on Suspicion of Smuggling Drugs to Inmates – In March 2022, an EMT and two inmates at the Henderson County Detention Center were arrested on drug charges. The EMT was accused of smuggling drugs to inmates, leading to multiple charges against her and the inmates involved.
- Deputy Fired for Allegedly Dealing Drugs to Inmates – In April 2023, a deputy at the Kenton County Detention Center was fired and charged with felony offenses after being accused of delivering drugs to inmates. The deputy was allegedly receiving payments from individuals outside the jail to smuggle drugs to inmates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What charges were Binkley and Jackson facing?
Both inmates were charged with promoting contraband. Jackson also faced an additional charge of tampering with evidence.
What is the Jessamine County Detention Center’s policy on contraband?
The facility has a zero-tolerance policy toward contraband and is committed to fully investigating any attempts to introduce illegal substances or prohibited items, pursuing charges to the fullest extent of the law.
Have there been similar incidents in Kentucky?
Yes, there have been several instances in Kentucky where individuals attempted to smuggle illegal substances into correctional facilities. For example, in October 2025, a former corrections officer at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges after smuggling tobacco and synthetic marijuana into the facility in exchange for over $18,000.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jessamine County Detention Center, Kentucky |
| Inmates Involved | Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson |
| Charges | Promoting contraband; Jackson also charged with tampering with evidence |
| Discovery Method | Routine intake procedures |
| Facility’s Response | Zero-tolerance policy; full investigation and pursuit of charges to the fullest extent of the law |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Two Inmates Charged for Smuggling Drugs into Jessamine County Detention Center
Two Inmates Charged with Drug Smuggling in Kentucky Jail
Two Inmates Charged for Smuggling Drugs into Kentucky Jail
Two Inmates Charged with Smuggling Drugs into Kentucky Jail
Jessamine County Inmates Charged for Smuggling Drugs
Two Inmates Charged with Smuggling Drugs into Jail
Two Inmates Charged with Promoting Contraband in Jessamine County
Inmates Charged with Smuggling Drugs into Kentucky Detention Center
Inmates Charged with Drug Smuggling at Jessamine County Detention Center
Inmates Charged for Smuggling Drugs into Jessamine County Facility
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