An ongoing investigation into the smuggling of narcotics into the Downtown Detention Center (DDC) in Nashville has resulted in new indictments for drug conspiracy. The indictments involve six individuals, including a former employee of the Sheriff’s Office, three inmates, and two civilians. This investigation, led by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Specialized Investigations Division and the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, commenced in July of this year.
Imani Birdine, 26, a former employee of the Sheriff’s Office, was identified as a key player in smuggling drugs into the jail. Inmate Carlos Robins, also known as Carlos Ewin, 47, and Demetrice Holmes, 22, were implicated in the conspiracy. Holmes was reportedly distributing contraband supplied by Birdine to other inmates. Robins allegedly communicated with Lashonda Jackson, 52, and William Southall, 47, regarding payments to Birdine for the drug deliveries. William Searle, 39, was another inmate involved in the conspiracy.
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Birdine resigned from her position amid the investigation. Robins, who has been in custody since September 2023 for multiple felony drug charges, is awaiting trial. Holmes has previous convictions for aggravated assault and other crimes, while Searle was convicted in April 2024 for reckless homicide related to a drug-related death.
All defendants, except for Southall, have been apprehended or were already in custody. This marks the third series of indictments in this broader investigation into drug smuggling within Davidson County jail facilities, bringing the total number of individuals charged to 14.
For more information on this case, visit the Nashville Government Website.
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