Trafficking results in PCF arrest

PUTNAMVILLE -- Officer Donnie L. Christner, 33, Terre Haute, was arrested for trafficking at the Putnamville Correctional Facility.

He was immediately suspended and is being charged with one count of trafficking, a class A misdemeanor, and one class D felony for official misconduct.

After Christner was taken into custody, facility investigators immediately notified the Indiana State Police and Putnam County Deputy Prosecutor Jim Hanner.

"Investigators found concealed tobacco, which led to the officer's arrest," Supt. Al C. Parke said. "This arrest is a result of a security supervisor's diligence in performing his duties as a correctional employee."

Officer Christner has been employed with the facility since April 17, 2006.

"The Indiana Department of Correction is committed to a safe and drug-free environment. We will not tolerate those who attempt to introduce illegal substances into our correctional facilities and lawbreakers will be punished," Commissioner J. David Donahue said.