What:
Detectives assigned to the Detention Investigations Unit have charged four women involved In introducing contraband and possession of controlled substances at the Pinellas County Jail.
Where:
The incidents occurred in the Central Division and South Division at the Pinellas County Jail located at 14400 49th Street North, in Clearwater.
When:
The investigation started April 17, 2020 with arrests being made May 12, 18 and 20, 2020.
Why/How:
According to detectives, on April 17, 2020, a letter was received at the Pinellas County Jail, which was addressed to 31-year-old inmate Danielle Tufano. Upon examination of the letter, it was discovered to contain ten strips of Suboxone.
Through interviews with inmates and other investigative techniques, detectives identified 36-year-old Nina Gomez as the sender of the Suboxone.
According to investigators, Tufano organized Gomez to send the Suboxone to the Pinellas County Jail, through the United States Postal Service.
On May 20, 2020, detectives arrested Gomez and charged Tufano. Detectives charged Gomez with one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance and one count of Introduction/Possession of Contraband into a Detention Facility. Tufano was charged with one count of Introduction/Possession of Contraband into a Detention Facility.
Detectives say during the course of the original investigation, they were also provided information regarding 49-year-old inmate Kristi Sweeney being in possession of methamphetamine. A medical examination/search was conducted on May 12, 2020 of Sweeney. The search revealed 17 individual bags, containing 14 grams of methamphetamine, inside Sweeney’s vagina.
Detectives charged Sweeney with one count of Introduction/Possession of Contraband into a Detention Facility, one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Sell as well as one count of Trafficking in Methamphetamine.
Detectives believe that Sweeney brought the contraband into the Pinellas County Jail when she was arrested on May 8, 2020, for False Verification of Ownership, Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Crack Cocaine.
Detectives also received information that 30-year-old inmate Stephanie Hansbury was in possession of methamphetamine. A search was conducted of Hansbury, and one gram of methamphetamine was discovered hidden in her bra.
On May 18, 2020, detectives charged Hansbury with one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance.
The investigation continues.
