Former Ripley Co. Jail Officer Gets Two Years For Trafficking Contraband

Sentencing was handed down on September 11.

(Versailles, Ind.) – A former Ripley County jail officer has been sentenced for trafficking contraband into the Ripley County Jail.

Darin S. Laird, of Versailles, was sentenced on September 11 by Ripley County Superior Court Judge Jeffery Sharp to two years in jail on charges of Official Misconduct (level 6 felony) and Trafficking with an Inmate (class A misdemeanor).

According to court documents, Laird trafficked contraband into the Ripley County Jail on at least two different occasions between February 16, 2019 and March 9, 2019.

Laird told the court he was contacted by an inmate’s girlfriend, that he had known previously, to traffic contraband into the jail on her behalf to the inmate. Laird explained that he would conceal the contraband in a glove and carry it into the jail, and then give it to the inmate in a manner to avoid detection.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Shane Tucker said Laird’s actions called for an aggravated sentence due to the thoughtfulness of the crime, which happened on multiple occasions. Tucker added that Laird’s actions were dangerous to other jail officers, inmates and the public.

Laird’s attorney requested the Court take into consideration that he had no additional criminal history, but Judge Sharp agreed with the State and sentenced Laird to two years behind bars for severely violating the public’s trust.

Due to Laird committing these crimes as a Ripley County Jail Officer, he will service his time in a neighboring county jail.

Prosecuting Attorney Ric Hertel released the following statement:

“Laird’s conduct was extremely dangerous and placed the safety and welfare of the other jail staff, inmates, law enforcement officers, and the community in jeopardy. Laird took advantage of the public’s trust by trafficking contraband to inmates while working as a jail officer. His conduct warrants the aggravated sentence he received.”