MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Three men were arrested after attempting to break into the correctional facility at Shelby Farms, according to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.
Jamie Rusan, 24, Carlos Wilkins, 31, and Ladarius Mann, 31, were charged with a long list of felonies following the incident at the Inmate Reception Center (IRC) on Dovecrest Road.
On Tuesday, June 23, Shelby County Sheriff’s detectives were on surveillance duty when they spotted a silver Acura MDX heading south on Sycamore View Road around 2 a.m.
Records say the vehicle stopped at the intersection of Sycamore View Road and Dovecrest Road. Detectives observed two individuals exit the vehicle, dressed in all black or dark clothing, each carrying several bags.
The vehicle then left the area and headed towards Mullins Station Road.
Detectives observed both suspects suddenly lie down as a marked Shelby County Sheriff’s Office vehicle drove through the area. After the SCSO vehicle passed by, the two began walking toward the IRC building when a helicopter flew overhead, causing them to lie down again, according to the affidavit.
Moments later, one of the suspects stood up and crossed the Green Line toward the IRC building, while the other remained near the trees near the Green Line.
According to records, one of the suspects used bolt cutters to cut a hole in the fence and successfully broke through the fence, creating a hole large enough for a person to fit through.
The suspect then returned to the wooded area while another suspect made his way through a gap in the fence and entered the establishment.
Meanwhile, the other suspect returned to the wooded area, grabbed three bags and carried them to the fence, where the bags were handed over to the other suspect.
Detectives soon arrived at their location. The first suspect was identified: Carlos Wilkins was caught in the woods with two bags of assorted contraband and a pair of bolt cutters.
Another suspect was detained and identified as Ladarius Mann inside the perimeter fence of the penal farm with three bags of contraband in his possession.
Narcotics detectives ran the license plate on the silver Acura MDX, found the address and executed a search warrant.
After detectives forced the door down, Jamie Rusan was detained without incident while a systematic search was conducted.
Detectives found a bag identical to the one found when Mann and Wilkins were arrested in the front seat of the Acura MDX, as well as several empty Newport cigarette boxes and a plastic bag box.
SCSO detectives ran a background check on Rusan and it revealed he was out on an aggravated robbery charge. In addition, deputies found out that Rusanโs driverโs license had been revoked.
Detectives found lighters, Newport cigarettes, e-cigarettes, mobile phones and chargers, marijuana, tobacco wrappers and drugs in bags at the correctional farm.
Carlos Wilkins is being held on $600,000 bail. He is expected to appear in court on June 29.
Ladarius Mann is being held on $250,000 bail. He is expected to appear in court on June 30.
Jamie Rusan’s bail information has not yet been released. He is expected to appear in court on June 29.
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