From Local 3 News: The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says five people face charges for attempting to smuggle contraband into the Hamilton Count
From Local 3 News: The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office says five people face charges for attempting to smuggle contraband into the Hamilton County jail.
A joint investigation between HCSO Criminal Investigative Services and Hamilton County Corrections Services uncovered the organized smuggling operation. According to a release, the plan was to bond one person out of jail and later have him re-arrested. At that point, he would smuggle contraband into the jail. Instead, Corrections Security officers found and intercepted the contraband.
HCSO says authorities seized:
- 12 bundles of suspected blue Fentanyl
- 6 Suboxone strips (helps treat narcotic dependence)
- 35 strips of Toon Paper (papers laced with THC)
- Blue powder suspected to be Fentanyl
- Approximately 20 blue Fentanyl pills
Brian Stone, Diamond Smith, Kelsey Gray, Justin Finley, and Wendy Hughes are all charged with conspiracy to introduce contraband into a penal facility, possession of fentanyl for resale, and possession of Suboxone for resale.
Sheriff Austin Garrett shared a statement saying his agency takes the safety and security the Hamilton County Jail seriously.
“This incident underscores the constant threat posed by those seeking to undermine our efforts to maintain a secure environment. I am grateful for the collaborative efforts of our Criminal Investigations and Corrections Services personnel to successfully disrupt this smuggling operation. Their unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of the facility has undoubtedly averted potential risks and safeguarded the well-being of inmates and staff alike,” the Sheriff said.
