Putnamville Correctional Facility employee accused of smuggling drugs

Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 1:24 PM

By Staff report

For the second time in as many years, a Putnamville Correctional Facility employee has found themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Shannon Haney, 55, Cloverdale, is facing three felonies in connection with bringing drugs to an inmate within the facility.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Haney trafficked 280 orange film like strips that tested positive for Buprenorphine into the facility with the intent to give them to Arthur Shaffner, an inmate in the facility.

Haney told investigators she was trafficking the drugs because she needed the money and she would meet with other people at the Greencastle Walmart to secure the drugs. According to court documents, an investigative team noticed patterns during Haney's visits, where they noted she would bring Suboxone and paper treated with synthetic cannabinoids into the prison beneath her clothing and go to the restroom with a folder and remove the hidden drugs. She would then call Shaffner into her office to hand the folder to him.

Last month, she was confronted by investigators, who noted she had an envelope with three packages wrapped in plastic wrap with orange items inside them.

She told investigators she had another package at her Cloverdale home, which was found in a bedroom cabinet after police searched the residence.

Last year, Haney was recognized as the facility's Non-Custody Employee of the Month.

In a post on Facebook, officials said, "Shannon consistently shines with great teamwork, a wonderful attitude and always goes above and beyond in her daily duties. We are so lucky to have her!"

Haney was charged with a Level 5 felony charge of trafficking with an inmate, a Level 6 felony charge of official misconduct and a Level 6 felony charge of possession of a controlled substance. She was released on her own recognizance, however, she has to report to Putnam County Adult Probation weekly.

She is due back in court June 3 at 9 a.m.