Corrections officer charged with selling narcotics in city jail

A Eunice Police corrections officer (jailer) is charged with distributing controlled substances to inmates in the city jail.
Chief Randy Fontenot said Friday that Jessica Sonnier was arrested Thursday after an investigation begun following a fight between female inmates last weekend.
The inmates were allegedly under the influence at the time of the fight.
Investigation, Fontenot said, revealed that the inmates involved in the fight and other inmates alleged they had received from Sonnier or witnessed Sonnier distribute narcotics on more than one occasion.
Detectives also learned, the chief said, that Sonnier had allegedly been providing one inmate with other items that Sonnier purchased on her behalf using the inmate’s Louisiana Purchase Card.
Obtaining a warrant, investigators searched Sonnier’s home, allegedly finding corroborating evidence as well as marijuana.
She was booked into the parish jail on charges of malfeasance in office, introducing contraband into a penal facility, distribution of Schedule II controlled substances, distribution of Schedule IV controlled substances and possession of marijuana and placed on administrative leave.