(MONROE, LA) - On August 7, 2026, the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Monroe attorney Edward Roland Charles, 79, following an investigation into a package intercepted at the Ouachita Correctional Center.
Security staff intercepted the package after it was delivered by Charles, who was representing an inmate, Devarius Dantrell Marshall, during attorney-client privileged legal correspondence. OCC personnel contacted the Metro Narcotics Unit, which responded and reviewed its contents. Investigators found the package contained synthetic “mojo,” marijuana and a cellular phone.
Charles was arrested and booked with:
1 Count Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Facility
1 Count Criminal Conspiracy
2 Counts Distribution of CDS 1
The inmate, Devarius Dantrell Marshall was also charged with:
1 Count Introduction of Contraband into a Penal Facility
1 Count Criminal Conspiracy
2 Counts Possession of CDS
1 Count Intent to Distribute
Sheriff Marc Mashaw said no individual is exempt from the laws and security procedures that protect the facility, its employees and inmates.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests are possible.