Ex-jail deputy gets prison for smuggling in drugs

TEXARKANA, Ark. — A former jail guard in Arkansas has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for sneaking syringes, marijuana and cell phones to inmates by hiding the items in food.

Deputies say 26-year-old Jordan Michael Waller carried tacos, pizzas and chili to work at the Miller County jail. He used the food to hide a stash of cell phones and chargers, methamphetamine, marijuana, tobacco and cigarette rolling papers

Family members testified Waller had paranoid schizophrenia that manageable with medication. Jail officials denied knowing of Waller's illness. He was sentenced Thursday in Texarkana.

The long-troubled jail had 13 escapes last year. A number of guards were fired, and some faced criminal charges for improper conduct with inmates.