NATCHEZ — A Natchez City Jail booking officer and a food delivery driver are facing felony charges for reportedly bringing a cell phone and batteries into the jail for inmates.

Interim Chief Danny White said the booking officer, Kenneth Newborne, 26, 301 McNeely Road, Apt. 12-F, was charged with introduction of contraband into the jail Friday.

Lt. Craig Godbold said NPD got a report that someone had received a call from an inmate in the jail and also heard about the phone from other inmates. Godbold said officers then searched the cell using a police dog and found the phone and batteries Sunday night.

Newborne later reportedly admitted to providing a cell phone to six inmates housed in one cell block. Godbold said police believe one of the inmates is related to Newborne.

Dantrell Minor, a delivery driver for the food service company that provides meals for inmates, reportedly brought batteries to the jail and gave the batteries to Newborne for the inmates. Godbold said the inmates were using the batteries to charge the phone.

Minor, 26, 2717 Miller Ave., was charged Friday with assisting introduction of contraband into the jail. He is being held with a $25,000 bond.

White said Newborne, who was hired in October 2011, was placed on administrative leave after the incident but submitted his letter of resignation Friday.

Newborne was released Friday on a $25,000 bond.