Washington Parish Sheriff's Office and Rayburn Correctional Center Coordinate in Narcotics Smuggling Operation

Drug Task Force Detectives of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office received a call from Rayburn Correctional Center last Wednesday (November 1, 2023) that set into motion a successful operation targeting the smuggling of illegal narcotics into RCC and resulted in the arrest of 49 year-old Sherman Ray Wilder of Marrero, Louisiana.

RCC informed DTF Detectives that an inmate by the name of Carlos Alcerreca Vargas was suspected of orchestrating the smuggling of illegal narcotics into the prison. Inmate Vargas had allegedly attempted to coerce a Rayburn officer into participating in this illegal activity by promising financial compensation. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, RCC sought the assistance of the WPSO Drug Task Force to lead the investigation.

A covert undercover operation developed and last Friday (November 3, 2023), a DTF Agent assumed the role of a corrupt RCC Officer and engaged in conversations with an individual identified as Sherman Ray Wilder. A meeting was arranged at the Sportsman Inn in Bogalusa. Meanwhile, RCC Investigators monitored inmate communications inside the prison and gathered crucial intelligence that guided the operation. 

As the operation unfolded, it was agreed upon that Sherman Wilder would bring the illegal narcotics to the Sportsman Inn, along with $2,000.00 in cash as payment to the corrupt officer for smuggling the drugs into the prison. Later that same day, Sherman Wilder arrived at the Sportsman Inn, where law enforcement agents swiftly took him into custody. Upon searching Wilder, officers discovered 2.6 ounces of Meth, 4 paper sheets of synthetic Mojo, and $2,474.00 in cash in his possession. Wilder was booked into the Washington Parish Jail on the charges of Attempted Introduction of Contraband Into Penal Institute, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule II Drugs, Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule 1 Drugs, and Transactions Involving Proceeds From Drug Offenses. Bond was set at $50,000.00.

Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal commended the collaboration between the Rayburn Correctional Center and the Washington Parish Drug Task Force. "This operation represents the dedication and commitment of our law enforcement agencies to maintain the safety and integrity of our correctional facilities. We will continue to work tirelessly to combat illegal activities that threaten our communities," Sheriff Seal stated.

Both the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office and the Rayburn Correctional Center are committed to working together to combat the influx of illegal narcotics into correctional facilities. The arrest of Sherman Wilder serves as a testament to their dedication to the safety of the community and the correctional system.

***All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty***