EKCC Investigation Leads to Five Arrests; Two of the Arrests were Former Correctional Officers

By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor

After discovering illegal narcotics within the prison at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC), Kentucky State Police along with HIDTA Gateway Area Drug Task Force, have arrested five individuals on twenty-two charges related to drug trafficking, official misconduct and other offenses.

On Sept. 7, 2025, EKCC contacted KSP and a joint investigation was initiated into suspected drug trafficking, money laundering, promoting contraband and organized criminal activity connected to the facility.

During the investigation officers found that William Caudill and Dwayne Skaggs, former correctional officers at EKCC, distributed illegal narcotics within the facility. Two inmates housed at the facility, Shane Wilder and Challis Davis, were also involved in distributing illegal narcotics. The investigation further determined that Donnie Wilder, mother of inmate Shane Wilder, assisted in facilitating the illegal operation.

In a press release by Sherry Bray, KSP Public Relations, KSP and HIDTA Gateway Area Drug Task Force arrested the following individuals based on the results of this investigation:

•William Caudill, 32, Isonville, promoting Contraband 1st; Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st and 2nd; Official Misconduct 1st; and Engaging in Organized Crime.

•Dwane Skaggs, 34, Auxier, promoting Contraband 1st; Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st and 2nd; Official Misconduct 1st; and Engaging in Organized Crime.

•Donnie Wilder, 70, Calvin, promoting Contraband 1st; Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st and 2nd; and Engaging in Organized Crime.

•Shane Wilder, 42, Calvin, promoting Contraband 1st; Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st and 2nd; and Engaging in Organized Crime.

•Challis Davis, 45, Flat Lick, promoting Contraband 1st; Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st and 2nd; and Engaging in Organized Crime.

The HIDTA Gateway Area Drug Task Force, based in Montgomery County, is a multi-agency task force that facilitates cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking organizations and associated criminal enterprises. The program enhances investigative capabilities through intelligence sharing, analytical support, financial investigations and coordinated enforcement operations to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal organizations operating in the Appalachian region.