Two juvenile corrections officers arrested in Georgia

ATLANTA — Department of Juvenile Justice officials say two corrections officers have been arrested or allegedly smuggling contraband into a Muscogee County facility and drug possession, among other offenses.

Department spokesman Jim Shuler saids warrants were drafted Friday for Anthony Harvey and Keith Spruills. Both men have been placed on unpaid suspension and also are charged with violating their oaths of office.

Harvey is accused of having marijuana in his car that was parked inside guard lines at the Muscogee Youth Development Campus in Midland during a random check. Spruills is accused of smuggling cellphones, cigarettes, lighters and a spray designed to conceal the smell of marijuana smoke into the facility.

“We are wasting no time recommending criminal prosecution wherever evidence is found and prosecution is warranted to remove officer misconduct from our ranks and to protect Georgia’s youth in detention,” Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Avery Niles said in a statement. “I gave clear warning when I was appointed Commissioner that regardless of employee seniority, rank or position, there will be serious consequences for all criminal and policy violators at DJJ.”

Officials said the arrests are part of a long-term internal investigative effort.

Niles predicted more administrative and criminal misconduct violations and prosecutions could surface at the Muscogee Youth Development Campus as investigations continue.