Jessamine County, Kentucky, December 9, 2025
Two inmates at the Jessamine County Detention Center, Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson, have been charged with promoting contraband after attempting to smuggle drugs into the facility. The incident was discovered during their intake process, resulting in serious legal consequences. The community has expressed concerns regarding the integrity of correctional facility security and is urging for enhanced measures to prevent future incidents.
Jessamine County, Kentucky: Two Inmates Face Additional Charges After Smuggling Drugs into Detention Center
Jessamine County, 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 occurred on Friday, December 5, 2025, when deputies discovered narcotics during the intake process of Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson. Both men were subsequently charged with promoting contraband, and Jackson faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence. The facility’s commitment to thoroughly investigate any illegal substance introductions and pursue charges to the fullest extent of the law has been underscored by Jessamine County Jailer Jon Sallee.
Details of the Incident
During routine intake procedures, deputies found narcotics on Binkley and Jackson, leading to charges of promoting contraband, a Class D felony in Kentucky. Jackson’s additional charge of tampering with evidence relates to an attempted concealment or destruction of evidence regarding the contraband.
Background on Contraband Smuggling in Correctional Facilities
Smuggling contraband into correctional facilities creates significant security challenges for law enforcement. In Kentucky, various smuggling operations have been reported, including attempts to introduce drugs, weapons, and other prohibited items into jails and prisons. A notable instance involved four individuals arrested in October 2025 in McCracken County for smuggling drugs into the McCracken County Jail.
Correctional facilities implement several security measures to deter contraband smuggling, such as routine searches, surveillance, and intelligence gathering. Despite these efforts, the ongoing attempts by inmates and external parties to evade detection present persistent challenges in maintaining safety and security.
Legal Consequences of Contraband Smuggling
In Kentucky, promoting contraband is classified as a Class D felony, carrying penalties of one to five years in prison. Similarly, tampering with evidence is also a Class D felony, with equivalent sentencing guidelines. Convictions for these offenses can lead to significant prison time and a permanent criminal record, highlighting the serious repercussions of introducing prohibited items into correctional facilities.
Community Impact and Response
The Jessamine County community has expressed concern regarding this incident, urging for the maintenance of the integrity and safety of correctional facilities. There have been calls for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures in light of this event, emphasizing the community’s dedication to preventing future contraband smuggling attempts.
Ongoing Investigations and Measures
Authorities are continuing to investigate the methods employed by Binkley and Jackson to smuggle drugs into the detention center. The Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office is working in collaboration with state and federal agencies to dismantle smuggling networks operating in the region. Concurrently, the detention center is evaluating and enhancing its security protocols, which includes increased surveillance, more thorough searches, and improved staff training for effective contraband detection and response.
Conclusion
The arrest and charging of Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson underscore the ongoing issue of contraband smuggling in correctional facilities. The rapid response from the Jessamine County Detention Center in addressing the situation highlights its dedication to security. Continued vigilance and partnerships among law enforcement agencies are essential to combat contraband smuggling activities.
FAQ
What charges have been filed against the inmates?
Both Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson have been charged with promoting contraband. Jackson faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence.
What is the penalty for promoting contraband in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, promoting contraband is classified as a Class D felony, which carries penalties ranging from one to five years in prison.
How do correctional facilities prevent contraband smuggling?
Correctional facilities employ various security measures to detect and prevent contraband smuggling, such as routine searches, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
What are the consequences of tampering with evidence?
Tampering with evidence is a Class D felony in Kentucky, carrying penalties similar to those for promoting contraband, including one to five years in prison.
What is the community’s response to the incident?
The Jessamine County community has expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity and safety of correctional facilities. Local residents and officials have called for continued vigilance and enhanced security measures to prevent future contraband smuggling attempts.
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 Date | December 5, 2025 |
| Law Enforcement Response | Investigation initiated; charges filed; security measures under review |
| Community Impact | Concerns over facility security; calls for enhanced vigilance |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Inmates Charged for Smuggling Drugs into Kentucky Jail
Two Inmates Charged for Smuggling Drugs into Jessamine County Detention Center
Two Inmates Charged with Drug Smuggling in Jessamine County
Inmates Charged for Smuggling Drugs into Jessamine County Detention Center
Lexington, Kentucky Prepares for Strong Wind Gusts
Two Inmates Charged with Smuggling Drugs in Jessamine County
Kentucky Wildcats Suffer Defeat Against Gonzaga Bulldogs
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
