A Shelby County Sheriff’s deputy, Bianca Granbury, has been arrested and charged with bribery and official misconduct following an investigation that uncovered her inappropriate relationship with an inmate. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on November 13, 2024, and have sent shockwaves through the local law enforcement community. Granbury was taken into custody this morning and is currently on administrative leave without pay.
Inappropriate Relationship with Inmate
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation after jail authorities discovered evidence of Granbury’s illicit relationship with an inmate named Martavious Williams. According to officials, the investigation revealed that Granbury and Williams had been communicating while she was off duty, using video chats through a cell phone that Williams had unlawfully obtained while incarcerated. This relationship, officials say, extended beyond personal conversations and involved the coordination of criminal activities.
Chief Deputy Buckner of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office noted that Granbury had used the cell phone to facilitate monetary transactions between Williams and his family and friends, further complicating the situation. In addition to the communication with Williams, investigators uncovered contraband within the inmate’s cell. This contraband included two small bags of marijuana, one hidden inside clothing and the other concealed within a box of Lucky Charms cereal. The marijuana weighed approximately 66.7 grams.
Stabbing Found in Inmate’s Cell
In addition to the contraband, investigators also found evidence of a stabbing weapon in Williams’s cell. This discovery adds to the seriousness of the charges faced by both Granbury and Williams. Chief Deputy Buckner expressed disappointment in the actions of Granbury, emphasizing that corrections officers are expected to uphold the law, protect the public, and serve the community. “We view corrections deputies as protectors, not predators,” he said. “It’s always disappointing that the same person who was patrolling the hallways of the Shelby County Jail now finds themselves on the other side of the law, behind bars.”
Charges Against Granbury and Other Individuals
Granbury, who had been employed as a corrections deputy at the Shelby County Jail, is now facing several charges related to her actions. These charges include bribery, official misconduct, and conspiracy. She is currently being held at 201 Poplar, the county jail, where she has been booked with a bond set at $15,000.
However, Granbury is not the only individual facing charges in this case. Inmates Martavious Williams and his cellmate, Malik Williams, have also been charged with introducing contraband into a penal institution. Additionally, Martavious Williams faces a charge of bribery of a public servant, which stems from his involvement in bribing Granbury to smuggle contraband into the jail. Investigators are continuing to examine how the contraband was smuggled into the facility and are working to identify any other individuals who may have been involved in the operation.
The Investigation and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
This investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement officials are working tirelessly to uncover the full extent of the criminal activities that may have taken place at the Shelby County Jail. Chief Deputy Buckner has emphasized that the Sheriff’s Office takes any breach of public trust very seriously and will continue to pursue justice. He also stated that there could be additional charges filed as the investigation progresses, depending on the level of involvement of other individuals in the case.
Granbury’s arrest and the subsequent charges have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the Shelby County Jail and the ability of correctional officers to maintain control over the facility. The Sheriff’s Office has promised to take appropriate disciplinary action against anyone found to be complicit in these activities, regardless of their position within the department.
Granbury’s arrest comes at a time when public trust in law enforcement is already fragile, and the incident is likely to further fuel the ongoing discussions about the conduct of corrections officers and their accountability. It is unclear at this time whether Granbury has legal representation or plans to contest the charges against her. However, the fact that she has been placed on administrative leave without pay suggests that the Sheriff’s Office is taking the allegations seriously and intends to fully cooperate with the investigation.
As the case develops, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide updates, and additional details are expected to emerge. The legal ramifications for all parties involved in this case could be significant, and it is anticipated that the investigation will have a lasting impact on the future of the Shelby County Jail and its operations. The public and law enforcement officials alike will be watching closely as the legal process unfolds.
Impact on Public Trust and the Sheriff’s Office
The arrest of a corrections deputy has been a blow to the reputation of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Corrections deputies are entrusted with upholding the law and maintaining the safety and security of inmates and staff within the facility. The breach of that trust has created concerns among the public and may prompt further scrutiny of the practices within the Shelby County Jail.
Chief Deputy Buckner’s statement about the disappointment of having one of their own accused of such misconduct highlights the gravity of the situation. The Sheriff’s Office is under increased pressure to maintain transparency and accountability in the face of these serious allegations. It remains to be seen what consequences will follow for Granbury, Williams, and the other individuals involved in this case, but the investigation is far from over, and new developments may emerge in the coming weeks.
