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August 18, 2026
LANSING – Yesterday, John Calhoun, 36, of Detroit, was arraigned before Magistrate Delphia Burton in the 36th District Court in Detroit on multiple felony counts for allegedly smuggling narcotics into the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) facilities through the mail. He was charged following an investigation by the MDOC, the Michigan State Police (MSP), and the Michigan Department of Attorney General. Calhoun has been charged with:
In 2024, several pieces of mail sent to inmates across the state were intercepted by the MDOC under suspicion that the mail contained narcotics. It is alleged that Calhoun, who was charged as a Habitual 4th Offender and reportedly familiar with the way the MDOC handled mail, sent packages that appeared to be legal mail from an attorney but actually contained narcotics. These packages were allegedly sent to eight separate correctional facilities:
“Smuggling narcotics into correctional facilities threatens the safety and security of prison staff and inmates,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “I am proud of the work my office did in partnership with MDOC and MSP to uncover this alleged scheme, and we remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to traffic contraband into Michigan prisons.”
“This joint operation reflects the ongoing commitment of Michigan’s public safety agencies to protect the integrity of correctional institutions, uphold the rule of law, and ensure the safety of both staff and incarcerated individuals,” said MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington. “The department continues to invest in contraband technology, improve search procedures, and thoroughly investigate contraband attempts. Any effort to smuggle contraband into a Michigan correctional facility will not be tolerated and the department will seek prosecution every time.”
“Strong partnerships like this are critical to creating a safe prison environment,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police. “We share a commitment to keeping contraband out of our facilities and protecting the well-being of staff, visitors, and those who are incarcerated. Our detectives did an excellent job.”
The Michigan Department of Corrections continues to take significant strides to reduce contraband as part of the Safe Prisons Initiative. Implementation of new technologies such as body scanners, package scanners, and legal mail policy changes are helping to deter smuggling attempts. In addition, improved search procedures, officer training, and investment in intelligence activities are helping to address security risks. The department has stopped over 100 incidents of contraband from coming into prison facilities since the beginning of 2026.
Calhoun will next appear before the 36th District Court on August 24.
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Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.
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