March 6, 2023
The Florida Highway Patrol arrested Kayla Hicks (4/13/93) of Wesley Chapel for driving under the influence on 2/28/23. Trooper Kevin Davis was suspicious the arrestee was in possession of additional contraband but did not find anything during his arrest procedures.
Hicks was immediately escorted by LCSO Detention Officers to the Tec-84 Body Scanner upon her delivery to the Levy County Detention Center. The scan was completed and a foreign object was identified concealed inside of her. Officers then completed a strip search and recovered a tube containing marijuana. The contraband was collected as evidence by Trooper Davis and additional charges were filed.
Hicks was originally arrested for DUI, but based upon the discovery of this contraband she was additionally charged with introduction of contraband into a detention facility and possession of marijuana. Hicks was held on a $72,500.00 bond and released after posting bond on 3/1/23.
The Tek-84 Body Scanner was purchased by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office approximately two years ago and is used by Detention staff on a daily basis. Any person arrested within Levy County’s jurisdiction is subject to an examination by this piece of equipment. This is not the first time foreign objects have been found concealed inside an arrested persons’ body by this tool. Since its’ implementation the Detention Center has seen a marked decrease in contraband, including illegal drugs, being smuggled into the general population of inmates held in the Detention Center. The use of this piece of equipment makes the Detention Center a safer place for those held in custody and the staff who work there.