Marion County Jail Inmates Found to Have Shank in Cell

Two Marion County Jail inmates face additional charges after allegedly making a metal shank that one reportedly planned to use as a weapon.

The jail staff sought the additional charges against 28-year-old Cedric Deon Powe and 24-year-old T.J. Robert Chumley, both of Centralia, after the shank was allegedly found hidden in a door jam of Chumley's cell. Powe had an additional $25,000 bond set after being formally charged in Marion County Court Friday morning for criminal damage to state supported property and bringing contraband into a penal institution. Chumley had an additional bond of $50,000 set after being charged with bringing contraband into a penal institution.

The search of the cell took place on New Year's Eve after correctional officers were tipped to the existence of the shank. The shank was made out of a metal handle from a dust pan.

Correctional officers say a review of video of the cell showed Powe sticking the dust pan handle into the door jam to break it off. Chumley was allegedly seen bending the shank into the shape of a door jam. During the search of Chumley's cell, correctional officers also found a modified pencil with a sheath that contained a prescription drug for which Chumley did not have a prescription.

Powe is currently awaiting trial on charges of attempted first degree murder, aggravated battery and aggravated domestic battery following the severe beating of his girlfriend at her Centralia home in December 2013 that left her partially blind. Chumley is currently awaiting trial on three counts of vehicle burglary that allegedly occurred in Centralia in October.