Louisiana youth detention center worker accused of giving inmate contraband, committing sexual acts

MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) -- From March 4, 2025, to June 27, 2025, authorities investigated telephone calls between a youth inmate housed at the Swanson Center for Youth (SCY) and a facility staff member. Once officials reviewed the inmate's calls, they learned that he allegedly advised family members to add another person to several calls.

According to court documents, authorities identified the staff member as 24-year-old Viola C. Jones. Jones was accused of buying contraband and bringing the items to the inmate.

In one of the phone calls, authorities heard Jones allegedly telling the youth inmate that she was going to work her day off to bring the contraband to him. On another call that took place on June 27, 2025, Jones allegedly committed sexual acts on the phone for the inmate to hear.

On July 10, 2025, Jones was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

• Money Laundering; Transactions Involving Proceeds of Criminal Activity
• Certain Activities Regarding Contraband in Penal Institutions Prohibited
• Criminal Conspiracy
• Malfeasance in Office; Sexual Conduct Prohibited with Prisoner
• Malfeasance in Office

Her bond was set at $23,000.