Franklin County Jailer Arrested for Supplying Contraband to Inmate
A Franklin County jailer has been arrested following a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe into allegations of contraband being supplied to inmates.
Emaleigh Smith, 23, of Elberton, GA, was arrested and charged with:
- Providing Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates
- Crossing of Guard Lines with Intoxicants
- Violation of Oath by Public Office
On May 22, 2025, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the GBI after receiving information about a jailer allegedly delivering prohibited substances to inmates. Smith was identified as the suspect and was found to have THC edibles and alcohol in her vehicle, which was parked at the jail.
During the investigation, Smith admitted to providing alcohol, nicotine, and THC edibles to Qwelon Johnson, 33, of Lavonia, GA, on multiple occasions. Johnson, an inmate at the facility, has been charged with:
- Possession of Prohibited Items by an Inmate
- Possession of Weapon by an Inmate
Smith was booked into the Franklin County Jail and has since been released on bond.
Anyone with information related to drug activity can call GBI ARDEO at (706) 348-7410. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Once complete, it will be given to the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
