EVANGELINE PARISH, La. — A former correctional facility employee and a woman were arrested in connection with alleged drug trafficking, authorities said.
On Jan. 16, 2026, deputies charged Rodrick Ben, 25, of Ville Platte, and Paula Patterson, 36, with multiple counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute:
Marijuana
Synthetic marijuana
Suboxone
The investigation began after Allen Parish Correctional Facility reported that Ben, a current staff member, allegedly planned to bring illegal narcotics into the facility in exchange for $5,000, deputies said.
During interviews at the correctional center, Ben allegedly admitted to introducing, possessing, and selling narcotics both at the facility and at his home. Deputies later searched Ben’s Ville Platte residence and discovered large amounts of marijuana, synthetic marijuana, and other narcotics.
Patterson, a GEO Prisons employee in Pine Prairie, was also implicated and detained during the search.
No bond information for Ben or Patterson has been released. Authorities continue to investigate the case.
