National Guard Member Arrested in Contraband Smuggling Case at Upstate New York Prison

An Army National Guard member has been arrested on several charges for allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband into Collins Correctional Facility, according to New York State Police based in Collins.

Savian M. Maxwell, 30, of Brooklyn, faces two counts of first-degree promoting prison contraband along with one count each of second-degree promoting prison contraband, official misconduct, and third-degree receipt of a bribe.

Maxwell appeared in Collins Town Court and was remanded to the Erie County Holding Center. He was later released on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to appear for a felony hearing.

Authorities said Maxwell was taken into custody by investigators from Correctional Services on Friday after a security screening raised concerns about his vehicle and person.

A search led to the discovery of approximately 176.4 grams of suspected marijuana (more than 6.2 ounces) and four cellphones.

The case is part of a larger investigation at the medium-security Collins facility in Erie County, which was the focal point of a statewide prison strike that began earlier this year in February. Law enforcement sources say that at least one additional National Guard member is under investigation for allegedly supplying inmates with contraband, including drugs and potentially razor blades.

That individual was reportedly questioned by State Police on Friday and their vehicle was also searched, though it remains unclear whether any charges have been filed.

According to sources, the arrested Guardsman allegedly confessed to selling three cellphones to inmates for $2,500 each.

Efforts to reach a spokesperson from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for comment over the weekend were unsuccessful.

The investigation comes amid ongoing challenges in staffing at state correctional facilities. Nearly 2,000 National Guard troops are currently deployed to prisons across the state to compensate for critical staffing shortages.

The number of vacancies in correction officer positions has more than doubled since the unsanctioned three-week work stoppage earlier this year.

National Guard Member Arrested in Contraband Smuggling Case at Upstate New York Prison