A correctional officer at the Benny Magness Unit of the Arkansas Department of Corrections in Calico Rock has been arrested on charges of providing contraband to inmates.
Colby Andrew Marquez, 26, of Springfield, is being held at the Izard County Jail following an investigation by the Arkansas State Police (ASP), which assisted the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) with the case. According to the probable cause affidavit from ASP investigators, Marquez is accused of bringing contraband into the prison beginning in late 2025.
During the inquiry, ADC officials reported that Marquez admitted to providing contraband to at least five inmates on separate occasions over several months. According to investigators, multiple inmates stated that Marquez engaged in "bartering" with contraband items, with at least one inmate claiming to have exchanged makeshift items, including a shank, for prohibited goods. The inmate also alleged that Marquez initiated their trading arrangement and provided contraband on multiple occasions.
Marquez told authorities he delivered nicotine pouches to inmates but denied receiving anything in return. He also stated that nicotine pouches were the only contraband he provided. The ASP investigator noted Marquez did not report being threatened by any inmates.
Marquez faces five felony counts of furnishing, possessing, or using prohibited articles, specifically for delivering prohibited items. His bond, initially set at $20,000, was later reduced to $12,500.