The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said in a statement that it has arrested five people for their involvement in a drug smuggling operation into the Hamilton County Jail.
“This operation, uncovered through a comprehensive investigation revealed a conspiracy responsible for smuggling illegal contraband into the jail,” HCSO said. “The items seized included 12 wrapped bundles of suspected blue Fentanyl, 6 Suboxone strips, 35 strips of Toon Paper (papers laced with THC), some blue powder suspected to be Fentanyl, and approximately 20 blue Fentanyl pills.”
The five arrestees allegedly conspired to have an inmate bonded out with the intention of him being rearrested in order to bring the drugs back into the facility.
The sheriff’s office teamed up with Corrections Security personnel to make the bust.
Brian Stone, Diamond Smith, Kelsey Gray, Justin Finley, and Wendy Hughes have all been charged with Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a Penal Facility, Possession of Fentanyl for Resale and Possession of Suboxone for Resale.
“We take the safety and security of our facility seriously. This incident underscores the constant threat posed by those seeking to undermine our efforts to maintain a secure environment,” said Sheriff Austin Garrett. “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.”
A bill that passed the Tennessee General Assembly last year and makes it a Class B felony in Tennessee to knowingly manufacture, deliver, sell, or possess fentanyl as officials crack down on the synthetic opioid.
Sentencing for Class B felonies in Tennessee range from eight to 12 years for first time offenders, but can be punishable by up to 30 years if there are aggravating factors present, like a previous criminal history.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter/X.
Photo “Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett” by Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
