Heroin-Laced Bible Smuggle Attempt Into Jail Fails; Ohio Prison Bust 'Inventive' Drug Distribution
Law enforcement officials in southwest Ohio arrested two people who were allegedly trying to smuggle a heroin-laced Bible into the Hamilton County Justice Center, authorities said.
The Bible was sent to the coroner's office for testing after an officer noticed a coffee-like stain following a standard sweep of deliveries, The Associated Press quoted County Sheriff's Office spokesman Mike Robison as saying.
Officials noticed a "half-dollar-sized, coffee-looking" stain on page 420.
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According to a regional narcotics unit, the stain contained about 40 hits of the narcotic.
The book was sent to the jail by Tehani Teepe, 39, for Timothy King, 28, in December. The two were arrested Thursday, and charged with illegal conveyance of a contraband into a correctional facility, according to Cincinnati.com.
King has been jailed nearly two dozen times over the past decade, mostly for drug-related charges but also domestic violence and theft, according to New York Daily News. He was transferred to Butler County Jail after the smuggling bust.
The two could face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
"We've discussed the last month or two the length to which these highly addicted inmates will go to get drugs into jails," County Sheriff Jim Neil was quoted as saying. "Now you get a glimpse into how creative and determined these individuals really are as we see a Bible laced with heroin."
"It's very inventive in my opinion," Chief Deputy Mark Schoonover said, according to WLWT5. "I just want to point out the great lengths they're going to get drugs into our facility … It's nothing short of amazing what they can do."
"I want to commend my staff who remain vigilant in our efforts to keep drugs out. Criminals are determined, but so are we," Neil added.
Following a recent fatal heroin overdose at the jail, the sheriff's department had intensified efforts to find drugs in the jail, and conducted a drug sweep that used 10 dogs earlier this month.
