Bay County, MI – Georgia Woman Accused of Smuggling Firearm into Jail Hidden in Bra

MI – Georgia – In a case that has raised serious concerns over detention facility security and public safety, a 32-year-old Georgia woman is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities allege she smuggled a loaded firearm into the Bay County Jail — concealed in her bra.

The incident began on June 1, 2025, when Arquisha Brown was involved in a single-vehicle crash in Monitor Township, Michigan. Responding officers suspected Brown of driving while intoxicated and took her into custody. A subsequent search of her vehicle revealed a handgun, which was secured by police at the scene.

However, what officers didn’t know at the time was that Brown was allegedly concealing a second firearm on her person. According to court documents and statements from jail officials, the hidden weapon was discovered only after Brown was processed into the Bay County Jail. During standard intake procedures, the facility’s body scanner detected the outline of a gun hidden inside her bra.

Jail staff acted swiftly, recovering the firearm and placing Brown under tighter supervision. Authorities confirmed that the weapon was indeed a working handgun, capable of firing.

Brown now faces several serious charges, including:

• Carrying a concealed weapon,
• Possession of a firearm while under the influence,
• Resisting or obstructing a police officer,
• And the most severe: bringing a weapon into a correctional facility, a felony under Michigan law.

The case has triggered an internal review of search and transport procedures between arrest and booking, though officials praised the jail’s intake technology and staff vigilance for preventing what could have turned into a dangerous situation within the facility.

Sheriff’s deputies emphasized that while it is rare, contraband—including weapons—can still find its way into jails due to creative concealment methods. “This is precisely why the body scanner is essential,” one official stated. “Without it, this could have had catastrophic consequences.”

Arquisha Brown remains in custody pending arraignment. Legal experts note that if convicted of the most serious charge, she could face several years in prison. Her prior criminal history, if any, and the circumstances of her intoxicated driving will likely influence the severity of her sentencing.

The incident has drawn attention not only for the unusual method of concealment but also for what it says about the challenges law enforcement faces in ensuring facility safety, even after a suspect has been searched and detained.

As the case proceeds through Bay County’s legal system, authorities are urging greater awareness and caution — especially among law enforcement personnel — to guard against increasingly bold attempts at smuggling dangerous items past security checks.

The investigation is ongoing.