The Arkansas State Police have released additional details surrounding the arrest of Colby Andrew Marquez, a 26-year-old former correctional officer at the Benny Magness Unit in Calico Rock. Marquez, a Springfield resident, faces multiple felony charges for allegedly supplying contraband to inmates, according to a probable cause affidavit.
The investigation began after the Arkansas Department of Corrections found evidence suggesting Marquez had been smuggling contraband into the facility since late 2022. During the inquiry, Marquez reportedly admitted to providing nicotine pouches to at least five inmates on separate occasions over several months. However, he denied receiving any items in return and stated he was never coerced or threatened by the inmates.
Interviews with multiple inmates provided further insight into the allegations. One inmate claimed that Marquez initiated a trading relationship and supplied contraband items on numerous occasions. In exchange, the inmate said he provided Marquez with homemade items, including a shank. Other inmates corroborated that Marquez was known for "bartering" with contraband within the facility.
Marquez’s defense to investigators was that he acted alone and only distributed nicotine pouches, a claim disputed by some of the inmates' accounts detailed in the affidavit.
Marquez is charged with five felony counts, including furnishing, possessing, and delivering prohibited articles. He was initially held on a $20,000 bond, which was later reduced to $12,500. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.