From The Tribune staff reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY — Two Jefferson County Jail inmates’ deaths are potentially linked to “illegal drugs.”
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According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday night, April 10, 2022, Jefferson County Jail staff was notified of an inmate who was unresponsive in his cell. Medical personnel were immediately notified and began life-saving measures. Unfortunately, they were unable to revive the male inmate.
Related Story: 28-year-old man dies in custody at Jefferson County Jail
On Monday night, April 11, 2022, jail staff was again notified of an unresponsive inmate. Again, life-saving measures were administered to the inmate but were unsuccessful.
Related Story: Center Point man dies in Jefferson County Jail
“Evidence located on each scene suggests that illegal drugs may have played a part in the deaths, but that cannot be confirmed until toxicology reports are completed,” Sergeant Joni Money said. “Substantial efforts to locate the source of the suspected drugs are underway.”
A modified lockdown, as well as strategic searches of the jail, are underway.
Money stated that those actions, along with other investigative measures, are hoped to expose the origin of the suspected narcotics. In addition, other preventative measures were previously implemented to thwart any undetected substances entering the facility.
“We are working hard to keep forbidden items out of our jails. Unfortunately, the inmates are working just as hard to find a way to get them inside,” Deputy Chief David Agee said. “We will continue to increase our level of security to defeat the breaches before and as they occur.”
