MONTGOMERY – On Thursday, July 23, 2026, at approximately 12:14 a.m., correctional officers conducting security operations at Ventress Correctional Facility identified a contract food service employee attempting to introduce a bottle of alcohol into the institution.
Facility staff immediately secured the scene and notified the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) K-9 Division and Narcotics Unit. An ADOC K-9 officer and narcotics agent responded, took Connie Upshaw into custody, and transported her to the Barbour County Jail, where she was charged with Promoting Prison Contraband, Third Degree.
The contract employee has been terminated by the contractor.
The ADOC investigation remains ongoing.
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