Contraband found on inmate at Cherokee County Detention Center

Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office

CHEROKEE COUNTY — An inmate has been removed from general population following an investigation involving contraband inside the Cherokee County Detention Center, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

They say earlier this month, staff at the Cherokee County Detention Center observed behavior that raised concerns about the possible presence of controlled substances within the facility.

They say a facility-wide search did not uncover contraband; however, follow-up interviews conducted by the Criminal Investigations Division identified individuals who may have been involved in the distribution of illegal substances.

The CCSO says a result, procedures were implemented to separate these individuals from the general population.

During this process, detention staff recovered suspected contraband concealed on the person of Ricky LeRoy Leistra Jr., 46, of Andrews.

The substance was tested and confirmed to be 12.09 grams of fentanyl.

Leistra has been charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl and Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Prison/Jail Premises. Following his appearance before a magistrate, he was ordered held without bond.

A subsequent investigation by the CCSO Investigations Division into how the substance entered the detention center led to the issuance of arrest warrants for Jeremiah Richard Green, 40, of Mineral Bluff, Georgia.

Green is wanted on charges of Trafficking in Fentanyl and Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Prison/Jail Premises, the CCSO says.

Green is currently in custody in Georgia for a Trafficking in Fentanyl offense that occurred last week.