Yet Another Michigan Corrections Officer Sentenced 90 Days for Smuggling Drugs

On June 2, WILX News reported that Joshua Evans, a 46‑year‑old corrections officer at Michigan’s Parnall Correctional Facility, was sentenced to 90 days in jail and two years of probation after pleading guilty to delivering Suboxone in the prison’s visiting room.

He was arrested in July while attempting to smuggle 151 strips of buprenorphine (a Schedule III controlled substance) inside.

…Around and around we go.

So Why Does This Keep Happening?

A source gave me excellent insight to the matter, that I think will better frame the conversation.

Just like rural counties often build jails to take advantage of a desperate labor force, so too, does Michigan DOC.

“Michigan only builds prisons in places that rely heavily on prisons to support the economy,” says the insider.

Judges and prosecutors protect “the brand” ensure the money keeps flowing to their counties. We saw this most recently in Ionia County with Judge Voet dismissing charges against what was described to me as a Corrections Officer Gang (…more on that soon).

This phenomenon is not new; we see it all over the country.

Financially struggling individuals, in this case COs, living in a poor county, in search of the good life, working meager jobs, and doing whatever it takes to move up.

Sound familiar?

Because time and time again, science tells that economic conditions, not whether someone is “evil” is what creates crime.

It doesn’t matter what side of the tracks you’re on.

Poverty begets desperation.

And it’s time people start getting it, or things will never change. But, to do that, Michigan DOC needs to first, be kept from policing itself and instead, be managed by people who can set policy based on data rather than saving one’s ass.

The Case for a Department-wide Ombudsman

To prevent repeat offenses and strengthen public confidence, Michigan’s MDOC needs an independent Corrections Ombudsman, a dedicated official who can robustly:

Receive and Investigate Complaints

• From inmates, families, and staff about misconduct or missing oversight.
• In real time, bypassing internal hierarchies prone to cover-ups.

Monitor Corrections Practices

• Redirect focus on where contraband is really coming from and the known vulnerabilities with staff.
• Audit protocols and suggest corrective training or policy reform.

Increase Transparency

• Produce regular public reports on investigations, trends, and outcomes.
• Communicate safely with whistleblowers and ensure no retaliation.

Recommend Reforms

• Implement best practices from other states or independent studies.
• Collaborate with the legislature to build stronger oversight infrastructure.

Models to Emulate

States like California and New York already operate independent correctional oversight offices that:

• Provision independent investigations.
• Have subpoena power.
• Can push reform agendas based on data.

A Tool Against Recurrence

An ombudsman could have flagged warning signs around hiring, monitoring, or accountability before Evans and others had a chance.

Independent review, honest brokers; that’s what truly deters corrupt actors and address systemic issues before they result in tragedies.

What Should Happen Next

The Michigan Legislature must launch a task force to define the ombudsman’s scope, authority, and independence. That office needs to be publicly funded and operational immediately.

And prison advocacy groups and families of inmates must also be included in the oversight design process.

Wrapping It Up

Joshua Evans’ sentencing isn’t an isolated lapse; it’s a symptom of deeper structural vulnerabilities. He’s not the first, and if this mess is allowed to continue, he won’t be the last.

Michigan owes it to its incarcerated population, staff, and taxpayers to build lasting integrity into its prisons instead of the misconduct happening on their watch.

An independent ombudsman would shine a light where it’s needed most and could prevent future abuse and corruption.