Hamblen County jail guard charged with attempted drug smuggling

HAMBLEN COUNTY, Tenn. – A Hamblen County Jail employee has been fired for attempting to smuggle drugs into the jail, according to the Hamblen County Sheriff.

Sheriff Chad Mullins said Michael Gibson worked as a jailer for the sheriff's office for about six months, during which time they suspected he was trying to bring the drugs into the jail.

The HCSO said it was able to arrest Gibson before he could distribute the drugs.

According to the HCSO, he was charged Monday with possession of Schedule I and III drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“This type of behavior will not be tolerated,” Mullins said. “We work hard to keep drugs out of our facility, and for one of our own to do this is unacceptable.”

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Schedule I drugs can include marijuana, heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and magic mushrooms. Schedule III drugs can include Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone.

Gibson is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3.

10News has requested arrest warrants from the court. This story will be updated as it continues.