Tyler County inmate, Colmesneil man charged after contraband found hidden in jail restroom

Photos Courtesy of Tyler County Sheriff's Office

TYLER COUNTY, Texas — A routine safety check at the Tyler County Justice Center led to felony charges for a Tyler County inmate and a Colmesneil man after jailers discovered prohibited items hidden inside a public restroom.

According to the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, January 5, 2026, jailers were conducting routine security checks when they searched the men’s public restroom inside the Justice Center. During the search, jailers found a glove placed inside a paper bag, which had been concealed inside a large Styrofoam cup.

Inside the glove, jailers discovered more than two dozen nicotine pouches and snuff tobacco, items considered illegal contraband inside a correctional facility.

Deputies reviewed recorded inmate phone calls and video surveillance footage, which revealed the contraband had been left for a current Tyler County inmate. The inmate was identified as Dana Potts, 40, of Colmesneil.

Potts was already being held in the Tyler County Jail on a Tyler County warrant for Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (MTA) and a Polk County warrant for Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance (MTRP). As a result of the investigation, Potts was additionally charged with Felony Prohibited Substance/Items in a Correctional Facility.

Justice of the Peace Tina Self set Potts’ bond at $50,000 on the new charge.

During the investigation, deputies also determined that Ronzie Bankston, 46, of Colmesneil, placed the prohibited items inside the restroom. Deputies presented a probable cause affidavit to Judge Self, who issued an arrest warrant.

Bankston was arrested the following day inside the District Courtroom at the Tyler County Courthouse while attending a pre-trial hearing for Potts. He was booked into the Tyler County Jail and charged with Felony Prohibited Substance/Items in a Correctional Facility.

Judge Self also set Bankston’s bond at $50,000.

Both individuals are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Bryan Weatherford and the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office stated they remain committed to maintaining safety and security within the Tyler County Justice Center.