Westville Correctional Facility Superintendent Mark Levenhagen reports a visitor was arrested Saturday at the facility for attempted trafficking with an offender, a Class C felony.

Ashley Reavis, 27, of Columbia City, Ind., was attempting to visit 29 year-old inmate Blake Settles of Fort Wayne. While checking in, she was found to have contraband.

Following her arrest by Correctional Police officers, she was transported to the LaPorte County Jail and booked for trafficking.

Settles is serving multiple sentences from the Allen County Superior and Circuit Courts. These include four years for Class C felony Dealing/Possession of a Look-Alike substance, one year concurrent for Class D felony Theft/Receiving stolen property, two years consecutive for Class D felony Operating a Vehicle as a Habitual Violator, and three years consecutive for Class C felony Escape. His projected release date was March 23, 2016. Settles was placed under investigation and moved to a segregation unit at the facility following the incident.

“Trafficking impacts us more than most people realize,” advised Levenhagen. “When fights and violence occur, they can often be traced back to contraband.”

He credits the facility staff for their constant attention to the operational details required to safely run a prison.

“I commend our staff for the thoroughness and diligence they apply to their duties and responsibilities,” said the Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner Bruce Lemmon. “Catching traffickers benefits not only the facility, but also the general public.”

Additional information concerning the arrest and pending charges can be obtained from the LaPorte County Jail or the LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office.

Posted 10/22/2012