DRUG CASE SUSPECT A D.O.C. DRUG INSPECTOR

A Gainesville woman arrested last week on charges growing $52,000 worth of
marijuana plants in a utility room in her home is a drug interdiction
specialist with the Florida Department of Corrections.

Sylvia Akridge, 36, was arrested by officers from the Gainesville Special
Investigation Division following a three-month investigation.

Officers found 52 plants, valued at $1,000 each, as well as more than 20
grams of processed marijuana drying in the sun outside. Police also found
growing lamps and other drug paraphernalia in the room. Akridge faces two
felony counts, one for cultivation of marijuana and another for possession
of marijuana over 20 grams.

Akridge, who has worked for DOC since 1986, is a senior "drug interdiction
specialist" with the department, said Debbie Buchanan, spokeswoman for the
DOC.

Inspectors like Akridge form part of a special unit with the Inspector
General's Office that can arrive at prisons unannounced and search for
contraband.

"Their job is to interdict anything coming into the institution or going
out that is deemed contraband, including drugs," Buchanan said.

She added that inspectors can have direct contact with prisoners, and also
have access to their cells. Akridge would be involved in any investigations
involving prisons in North Central Florida.

Buchanan said she could not say whether Akridge could have been growing
marijuana for the prisoners or passing drugs to inmates.

Said Buchanan: "I've been here seven years and am not aware of any
problems" with inspectors passing drugs to prisoners.

Akridge was arrested, along with her husband, Alan, 36, who has been
arrested once before for possession of marijuana and has two convictions
for trespassing. Both were released on their own recognizance Friday.

Rick Zenuch, commander of the special investigation division, said the
arrest "was based solely on activity within the residence" and that it was
not related to anything that could involve a prison.

Joellyn Rackleff, spokeswoman for the Inspector General's Office, said she
could not comment on any internal or criminal investigations but did say
Akridge has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Akridge was hired in December 1986 as a corrections officer before being
promoted in November 1990 to senior officer. In June 1993, she was promoted
to senior inspector, Buchanan said.