Tyirese Ladale Dews

A Smith County jail medical technician was arrested Thursday afternoon after being accused of providing drugs to an inmate, according to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

Jessica Riley, 40, a contract medical employee working as a medication technician, was charged with a third-degree felony for introducing a prohibited substance into a correctional facility. Her bond was set at $150,000 by 241st District Court Judge Debby Gunter.

Sheriff’s investigators arrested Riley at around 4:30 p.m. after securing an arrest warrant. Following her booking at the Smith County Jail, she was transported to the Gregg County Jail, which is standard procedure for former or current employees facing charges.

The investigation began after authorities received information suggesting Riley had illegally dispensed controlled substances to at least one inmate. Investigators said surveillance footage showed Riley passing an item from a medical cart to an inmate identified as Tyirese Ladale Dews, 24.

A subsequent search of Dews’ cell led to the discovery of two Seroquel tablets hidden in his bunk, according to the sheriff’s office. Dews, who was already incarcerated on unrelated charges, was also charged with introducing a prohibited substance into a correctional facility. His bond was set at $250,000.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as it becomes available.

Earlier this month, Dews was among three charged with promotion of prostitution.

According to arrest affidavits, undercover officers posed as “Johns” who were looking for “dates” with prostitutes. The intention of the operation was to find victims and suspects related to human trafficking. Documents say Dews communicated with an undercover officer to set up the prostitution of a human trafficking victim. Dews set up a meet-up with the officer, and based on the investigator’s knowledge, they knew traffickers and pimps often stay near where the victim is to maintain control. Officers found Dews’ vehicle nearby, and he was found trying to break his phone. The officer says Dews was likely trying to destroy evidence.

The undercover officer started messaging the victim and Dews’ phone started displaying alerts in sync with the sent messages. The investigator determined that Dews set up the online advertisement as he had the phone connected with the ad. Dews is also allegedly a documented criminal gang member, the affidavit read.