An inmate in federal prison dies after coming into contact with a drug-contaminated package sent to them: DOJ
An official stated that another prison employee was hospitalized but later recuperated.
The Justice Department (DOJ) announced on Tuesday that three individuals are facing charges in connection with the death of a federal prison worker in California who passed away earlier this month after dealing with a drug-contaminated package intended for an inmate at U.S. Penitentiary Atwater.
Three individuals, including Jamar Jones, Stephanie Ferreira, and Jermen Rudd III, have been charged with conspiring to introduce narcotics into USP Atwater, according to the DOJ.
According to court documents, between July 15 and Aug. 9, Jones and Ferreira allegedly had Rudd mail a package containing drugs, which was fraudulently labeled as legal mail.
On Aug. 9, a USP Atwater corrections officer opened a package and began to feel ill within minutes, according to the DOJ. The package contained wet or waxy paper, federal officials said.
The officer was rushed to a hospital after being evaluated by medical staff, where he unfortunately passed away. Meanwhile, another correctional officer who handled the package became unwell but later regained their health, according to the DOJ.
The officers' handling of the material tested presumptively positive for amphetamines, fentanyl, and synthetic cannabinoids, among other substances, according to federal officials.
Jones, Ferreira and Rudd were arrested Tuesday.
U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert stated that two individuals have been charged in a criminal complaint with conspiring to distribute controlled substances and introducing narcotic drugs to an inmate at USP Atwater.
In the Southern District of Indiana, Ferreira will be arraigned, while Rudd will be arraigned in the Eastern District of Missouri. Jones will make his initial court appearance next week in Fresno.
Each defendant could potentially receive a prison sentence of 20 to 30 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
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