Jail Nurse Accused of Smuggling THC Vape Pens to Inmates Faces Felony Charges
- Nurse charged: A Georgia jail nurse faces four felony charges for allegedly smuggling contraband.
- THC vapes involved: Investigators say she brought THC vape pens into the facility over several months.
- High stakes: Conviction could mean jail time and loss of her nursing license.
A 45-year-old contract nurse working at Johnson County Jail in Georgia has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after investigators allege she smuggled contraband into the facility.
Erin Everett is facing four felony charges: two counts of Crossing Guard Lines with Intoxicants and two counts of Giving Inmates Prohibited Items. Investigators allege the contraband included THC vape pens and that the activity occurred over a period of months.
Felony Charges Stem From Alleged Contraband Smuggling
The investigation began in January 2026 after the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office received tips regarding suspicious activity. Over several weeks, authorities gathered evidence and conducted interviews before making an arrest in February. According to law enforcement officials, Everett reportedly confessed during questioning.
Sheriff Greg Rowland described the situation as a “betrayal of trust” and emphasized that the actions of one individual do not reflect the professionalism of the facility’s broader staff.
The Unique Risks of Correctional Nursing
Correctional nurses hold a critical and highly trusted role. They often serve as the primary healthcare contact for incarcerated individuals and may have access to areas and interactions that security staff do not.
That access is essential for delivering care, but it also requires strict adherence to security policies and professional boundaries.
In correctional environments, contraband can pose serious safety concerns. Items such as vape devices may function as currency within facilities, contributing to underground exchanges, coercion, or conflict. When prohibited items enter a secure setting, the safety of both inmates and staff can be affected.
Contract Staffing in Corrections
Many correctional facilities rely on contract nurses due to ongoing staffing shortages and budget limitations. Contract clinicians play a vital role in maintaining healthcare access inside jails and prisons.
However, contract arrangements can create operational challenges related to onboarding, oversight, and continuity. While most contract nurses practice ethically and responsibly, incidents like this often prompt facilities to review screening and oversight procedures.
Professional Boundaries and Legal Consequences
For nurses working in correctional settings, maintaining professional boundaries is essential. The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics emphasizes a nurse’s responsibility to uphold safety, integrity, and accountability in all practice environments.
In most jurisdictions, bringing prohibited items into a correctional facility is both a policy violation and a criminal offense.
Felony charges can carry severe consequences, including potential incarceration, loss of nursing licensure, and permanent damage to one’s professional record.
A Broader Reminder for the Profession
For the many correctional nurses who practice ethically and compassionately each day, cases like this can feel discouraging. The vast majority of nurses working in correctional healthcare uphold high professional standards while caring for a vulnerable population in a challenging environment.
Correctional nursing requires a careful balance of clinical care, ethical responsibility, and security awareness.
This case serves as a reminder that nursing licensure carries significant responsibility. Regardless of practice setting — hospital, clinic, or correctional facility — integrity is not optional. It is foundational to the profession.
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