Guard, four inmates arrested in scheme to smuggle drugs and phones into prison

The Nevada Department of Corrections said an officer was arrested for his alleged part in a scheme to smuggle drugs and cellphones into Southern Desert Correctional Center in Indian Springs.

In a release issued by the department, investigators said Michael James, 41, who no longer works for the department worked with inmates Michael McNeil and James Harris to provide phones and drugs to correctional officers who distributed the items to other inmates inside the prison. James was fired for his role in the scheme, department spokeswoman Brooke Keast said.

During the monthlong investigation, inmate Jesus Chavarria was also implicated in the scheme, the department said. The fourth inmate, Endrel Pope, was on parole when he was arrested in connection with the scheme, the release added.

Investigators connected Shawn Yazzie, an associate of Pope, in the conspiracy, the release said. Pope was taken back into custody on two charges of violating parole. Yazzie was arrested and booked for conspiracy and communications with a prisoner.

The Corrections Department's interim director started the investigation Jan. 13, Keast said. James was arrested six days later.

James began working for the department in January 2013. He was arrested on charges of knowing/attempting to furnish a portable telecommunications device to a state prisoner, misconduct of a public officer and asking or receiving a bribe. He's been held at the Clark County Detention Center since his arrest. His bail was set at $11,000.

The investigation continues, but Keast said those involved are expected to face additional charges.

— Contact Max Michor at mmichor@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Find him on Twitter: @maxmichor