Austin Prison Guard Arrested for Selling Mango Habanero Chicken Wings to Inmates via Cash App
AUSTIN, TEXAS — A Texas prison guard is facing criminal charges after allegedly running an illegal food-smuggling ring inside Travis County Jail, where he reportedly sold mango habanero chicken wings to inmates via Cash App for up to $20 per drum and $15 per flat.
According to the viral post shared by The Bish Gossip, 25-year-old Amos Nyanway was arrested and charged with smuggling contraband on October 14 after investigators uncovered the unusual operation. Jail administrators reportedly began looking into the situation after overhearing multiple inmates on recorded calls referring to Nyanway as “The Chicken Man.”
“We started hearing chatter about how good his wings were,” said one Travis County official familiar with the investigation. “But we didn’t expect to discover a whole underground business.”
Jailhouse Chicken Scheme Uncovered
Investigators allege that Nyanway had been bringing chicken wings into the facility and selling them to inmates using Cash App transactions to collect payments. His side business became popular enough that inmates began recommending his services to others — sparking curiosity and suspicion among staff.
Authorities say the prison guard charged inmates premium prices, often marking up wings that would normally cost $6 each to as high as $20 per drumstick.
Nyanway’s alleged smuggling operation was uncovered after a series of monitored phone calls and suspicious money transfers linked directly to his account.
How much would you pay per wing piece in prison?
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Fired and Facing Charges
Following the internal investigation, Nyanway was fired from his position at the Travis County Jail and taken into custody. Jail officials described his actions as “a serious breach of trust” that undermines institutional security.
“Introducing contraband — whether it’s drugs, cell phones, or even chicken wings — compromises jail operations and inmate safety,” said a Travis County spokesperson. “We treat all such violations with equal seriousness.”
While the case has drawn laughs online due to its bizarre nature, officials emphasize that smuggling food items can still pose serious risks in correctional settings, from health violations to corruption concerns.
Social Media Reaction
News of Nyanway’s arrest quickly went viral, with many users dubbing the incident “WingGate” and posting jokes about the officer’s entrepreneurial spirit. Some, however, criticized the prison system for allowing such transactions to go unnoticed for so long.
“Only in Texas could someone get locked up for selling mango habanero wings,” one commenter wrote.
Nyanway has not yet entered a plea, and no court date has been announced. Authorities have not disclosed how long the alleged operation had been running before it was uncovered.
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Naperville is a community with stories that deserve to be told — both the serious ones about safety and justice, and the lighter ones that capture our culture and daily life. I focus on covering crime reports and court updates while also highlighting the traditions, events, and social trends that shape who we are. Through my reporting, I want to give readers a fuller picture of Naperville — the challenges we face and the character that keeps our city strong.