CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
WEST LIBERTY — Five people, including two former correctional officers, were arrested March 16 on charges tied to alleged drug trafficking and misconduct inside the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in West Liberty.
According to a news release issued March 16, Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex contacted Kentucky State Police on Sept. 7, 2025, after illegal narcotics were discovered inside the facility. That referral led to a joint investigation by KSP and the HIDTA Gateway Area Drug Task Force into suspected drug trafficking, money laundering, promoting contraband and organized criminal activity connected to the prison.
Investigators said the probe found that William Caudill and Dwayne Skaggs, both former correctional officers at EKCC, distributed illegal narcotics within the facility.
Two inmates housed at the prison, Shane Wilder and Challis Davis, were also allegedly involved in distributing narcotics. Investigators further alleged that Donnie Wilder, the mother of Shane Wilder, helped facilitate the operation.
Those charged include:
William Caudill, 32, of Isonville, charged with first-degree promoting contraband, first- and second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first-degree official misconduct and engaging in organized crime.
Dwayne Skaggs, 34, of Auxier, charged with first-degree promoting contraband, first- and second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first-degree official misconduct and engaging in organized crime.
Donnie Wilder, 70, of Calvin, charged with first-degree promoting contraband, first- and second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and engaging in organized crime.
Shane Wilder, 42, of Calvin, charged with first-degree promoting contraband, first- and second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and engaging in organized crime.
Challis Davis, 45, of Flat Lick, charged with first-degree promoting contraband, first- and second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and engaging in organized crime.
The HIDTA Gateway Area Drug Task Force, based in Montgomery County, is a multi-agency unit that works with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to target drug trafficking organizations and related criminal enterprises across the Appalachian region. Authorities said the task force supports investigations through intelligence sharing, analytical assistance, financial investigations and coordinated enforcement efforts.
No additional details about the narcotics or the status of the accused were released.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.