BUCKEYE, AZ — A counselor at Lewis Prison has been arrested and accused of smuggling drugs and contraband cellphones to inmates, according to court documents.
Berman Comon, who served as a Correctional Officer III (COIII), was taken into custody on January 3 following an investigation by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Re-Entry (ADCRR). The investigation uncovered “large amounts of dangerous contraband” in the prison’s Rast Unit.
Allegations and Methodology
Court documents allege that Comon used his role as a counselor, which granted him greater access to inmates than typical correctional officers, to smuggle drugs into the facility. He was reportedly paid $5,000 per trip to deliver narcotics hidden in large styrofoam cups and an ice machine, avoiding detection by placing the cups away from the prison’s body scanner.
The drugs were allegedly packaged for distribution inside Comon’s office by three inmates. The contraband was then sold to other inmates within the facility.
Additional Accusations
Authorities also identified Joy Cuevas, the wife of one of the inmates involved in the operation, as a middleman supplier. A search of Cuevas’ home revealed “prison-style cellphones,” drug packaging materials, and 262 grams of heroin.
Detectives seized $83,000 worth of drugs, including fentanyl and heroin, smuggled into the prison.
Legal Charges
Comon and Cuevas face multiple felony charges, including:
- Taking contraband (narcotic drugs) into a correctional facility.
- Money laundering.
- Conspiracy.
- Transport and possession of narcotic drugs.
Statement from ADCRR
In an emailed response, the ADCRR stated:
“The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) takes immense pride in the dedication and professionalism our officers demonstrate daily in maintaining the safety of the community, staff, and inmates. Upholding the highest standards of integrity is at the core of our mission, and we take swift and decisive action when those standards are not met.”
Ongoing Investigation
The arrest of Comon and Cuevas highlights concerns about contraband operations within correctional facilities. Authorities continue to investigate the case to determine the full scope of the smuggling operation.