Pendleton Correctional Officer Charged for Smuggling Drugs in Go-Kart Deal
Source: (Photo by Jiri Hera/Getty.)
PENDLETON, IND — An Indiana correctional officer has been charged with trafficking meth and tobacco into a prison in exchange for a free go-kart.
Brent Redinger, 39, of Rushville, faces charges of official misconduct and trafficking with an inmate. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. He worked at Pendleton Correctional Facility.
The investigation began in late September after an inmate tipped off officials about trafficking in their cell block. The inmate claimed Redinger was sneaking drugs and tobacco into the prison by hiding them in his waistband.
Inmates said Redinger often worked overtime in the block and entered an inmate’s cell alone, which was against the rules. He reportedly gave the inmate a cafeteria tray with tobacco and other contraband.
Video footage showed Redinger with the inmate, pointing at cameras and handing over items. Multiple tapes showed him spending over 20 minutes in the inmate’s cell.
In an interview, the inmate said Redinger would bring in vacuum-sealed bags of tobacco and meth. He also said Redinger used CashApp for payments and was promised a go-kart in exchange for the trafficking.
When questioned, Redinger admitted to bringing in tobacco and using a vacuum sealer. He said the inmate promised him a go-kart if he kept smuggling in tobacco, but Redinger claimed he never received it.
