Jessamine County, Kentucky, December 9, 2025
Two inmates at the Jessamine County Detention Center in Kentucky have been charged with promoting contraband after attempting to smuggle drugs into the facility during their intake process. Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson, who were recently booked, were found with illegal substances. Jackson also faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence. The Jessamine County Jailer has stated that any such attempts will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Two Inmates Face Additional Charges After Smuggling Drugs into Central Kentucky Jail
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 December 5, 2025, when deputies discovered narcotics during the intake process of Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson. Both men were recently booked into the detention center and were found in possession of illegal substances upon search. Jackson faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence. The Jessamine County Jailer emphasized that any attempt to introduce illegal substances into the facility will be fully investigated, and charges will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
Details of the Incident
During the intake process on December 5, 2025, deputies at the Jessamine County Detention Center discovered narcotics on inmates Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson. Both men had recently been booked into the facility. Jackson was also charged with tampering with evidence. The Jessamine County Jailer stated that any attempt to introduce illegal substances into the facility will be fully investigated, and charges will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.
Background on Drug Smuggling in Correctional Facilities
Drug smuggling into correctional facilities is a significant issue that poses serious risks to both inmates and staff. In Kentucky, there have been several instances of drug smuggling in recent years. For example, in October 2025, four individuals were arrested in McCracken County for attempting to smuggle drugs into the McCracken County Jail. The suspects were placing drugs in areas accessible to inmates to traffic contraband into the facility. In another case, a former correctional officer in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, was arrested in October 2025 for her involvement in bringing contraband into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex. The officer coordinated with individuals outside the facility to smuggle drugs to inmates. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges correctional facilities face in preventing drug smuggling and maintaining safety within their institutions.
Related Incidents in Kentucky
In addition to the Jessamine County case, Kentucky has seen other drug-related arrests. In November 2025, two men were arrested in Carter County after a search led to the seizure of over 10,000 individual doses of fentanyl. The men were charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and aggravated trafficking in a controlled substance. These cases underscore the persistent issue of drug trafficking and smuggling within Kentucky’s correctional facilities and communities.
FAQs
What charges were filed against the inmates in Jessamine County?
Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson were charged with promoting contraband. Jackson also faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence.
What is the significance of drug smuggling in correctional facilities?
Drug smuggling poses serious risks to both inmates and staff, leading to potential violence, health hazards, and undermining the security of the facility.
Have there been other similar incidents in Kentucky?
Yes, there have been other instances of drug smuggling in Kentucky’s correctional facilities, such as the McCracken County Jail case in October 2025 and the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex case in October 2025.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jessamine County Detention Center, Kentucky |
| Date of Incident | December 5, 2025 |
| Inmates Involved | Steven Binkley and Paul Jackson |
| Charges | Promoting contraband; Jackson also charged with tampering with evidence |
| Statement by Jailer | Any attempt to introduce illegal substances into the facility will be fully investigated, and charges will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Two Inmates Charged with Smuggling Drugs in Jessamine County
Congress to Address Controversial Navy Military Operation
Former FMC Lexington Employee Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse and Bribery
Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Federal Bribery Charges
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.
