Texas Prison Guard Arrested for Concealing Tobacco Inside Burritos

A 66-year-old correctional officer at the Bradshaw State Jail in Henderson, Texas, faces criminal charges after allegedly using burritos to smuggle tobacco to inmates. James Byron Thibodeaux was taken into custody on March 12 after facility staff discovered contraband in a restroom trash can. Investigators were alerted to the scene after personnel observed Thibodeaux exiting the restroom shortly before the discovery of the illicit items.

During questioning by the Office of Inspector General, Thibodeaux reportedly confessed to hiding tobacco inside food items and depositing them in the trash for an inmate to collect. The scheme allegedly involved the officer receiving digital payments in exchange for the deliveries. Thibodeaux now faces charges of third-degree bribery and possession of a prohibited substance in a correctional facility. Following his arrest, he was released on a $15,000 bond. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of two to 20 years in prison and significant financial penalties. This incident highlights ongoing security challenges within correctional facilities regarding the infiltration of contraband by staff members.