COLUMBUS – Colorado County Sheriff Justin Lindemann issued a press release about a correctional facility employee being arrested for providing contraband to inmates.
Lindemann states, On Jan. 24, 2025, the Colorado County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division received a complaint about contraband being brought into the correctional facility.
This prompted an immediate investigation, which ultimately led to the arrest of Javier Torres Jr., an employee of the correctional facility. Upon receiving the complaint, Investigators and the Cor- rectional Facility Administration closely monitored jail communication recordings of inmates using the newly implemented communication system, Prodigy Solutions. This technology records voice calls, text messages, and video, among many other features, providing a comprehensive investigation tool.
Lieutenant Jacob Gorman and investigators determined that inmates were providing a Cash App account linked to Torres to outside sources to fund the contraband. The Colorado County Attorney's Office issued subpoenas for records related to the account. Upon receiving those records, Investigators con- firmed that Torres received funds from the inmates' family and friends. Lieutenant Andrew Weido completed a prob- able cause affidavit and presented it to the Justice of Peace, PCT. 3, Honorable Judge Don Clark. There, probable cause was found, and a warrant was issued for Prohibited Substance Correctional/Civil Commitment Facility, a third-degree fel ony.
On Thursday, March 13, 2024, Chief Deputy Kevin Daniel and Lindemann interviewed Torres, during which Torres confessed to his role in distributing prohibited items into the correctional facility. Torres was then placed in hand restraints, escorted to the Colorado Coun- ty Correctional Facility, and processed by his former coworkers.
The investigation is ongoing to determine if criminal charges will be brought against other individuals involved in this illegal activity. “As the sheriff, it is my duty to be transparent with the citizens and inform them that this type of behavior is disgraceful and does not represent the core values of this office or the mem - bers of this agency. The sheriff's office is fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and will continue to uphold these values in our service to the community.” said Lindemann.
