PENDLETON — A Marion County woman was arrested on several drug-related felony charges after visiting an offender at Pendleton Correctional Facility on Sunday.
According to a PCF press release, Latasha McKinzie, 37, and her two minor children went to the facility on Sunday to visit an offender.
Following visitation, “the offender was discovered to have three packages of suspected contraband on his person and was moved to the administrative housing area pending further investigation,” the press release states.
At the same time, the PCF email states, corrections officers led McKinzie out of the visitation area to be interviewed.
“As a result of the interview, information was developed alleging McKinzie trafficked substances believed to be tobacco, suspected marijuana and a yet-to-be-determined controlled substance to the offender’s possession,” the press release stated. “After the interview, investigators and corrections officers searched McKinzie’s vehicle and home, which resulted in the discovery of additional suspected illegal drugs.”
McKinzie was charged with dealing in a Schedule I controlled substance, a Level 3 felony; possession of a controlled substance, a Level 4 felony; and three Level 5 felonies — trafficking with an inmate; possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish; and dealing marijuana, hash oil, hashish.
The Indiana Department of Corrections investigation led to the recovery of more than 24 grams of heroin.
McKinzie was booked into Madison County jail, and her juvenile children were placed in the custody of an Indiana Department of Child Services representative.
“Vigilant attention to detail by our correctional officer staff kept illegal substances out of the Pendleton Correctional Facility, and the ensuing investigation led to the questioning and ultimate arrest of the visitor,” Deputy Warden Dennis Reagle said in the press release. “Make no mistake, anyone caught trafficking illegal drugs to any Department of Correction facility will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible by law.”