Investigation Concerning Drug Smuggling into Metro Jail Leads to New Series of Indictments

The continuing investigation into the smuggling of narcotics into the Downtown Detention Center (DDC) has led to new drug conspiracy indictments against six individuals, including a former Sheriff’s Office employee, three inmates, and two civilians.

This facet of the investigation, conducted by the MNPD’s Specialized Investigations Division along with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, began in July of this year. Detectives determined that Sheriff’s Office employee Imani Birdine, 26, who worked at the DDC, was transporting drugs into the jail. Two inmates, Carlos Robins (also known as Carlos Ewin), 47, and Demetrice Holmes, 22, were identified as being part of the conspiracy.

Holmes was found to be passing drug contraband provided by Birdine to other inmates. Robins is alleged to have communicated with two civilians, Lashonda Jackson, 52, and William Southall, 47, concerning payment to Birdine. They are also accused of directing Birdine to deliver drugs to a third inmate, William Searle, 39. Birdine resigned from the Sheriff’s Office while the investigation was in progress.

Robins has been in jail since his arrest in September 2023 on multiple felony drug counts and is awaiting trial. Holmes has 2023 convictions for aggravated assault, vandalism and auto theft, and a 2024 conviction for auto burglary. Searle was convicted in April 2024 of reckless homicide in connection with a drug-related death.

All of the defendants with the exception of Southall have been arrested or were already in custody.

This is the third round of indictments in this overall investigation into drug smuggling into Davidson County jail facilities. A total of 14 persons have been charged.