Three individuals, including a prisoner and two of his relatives, are now facing charges related to a purported money laundering scheme. The allegations involve the sale of papers that were laced with drugs, all of which were being sold inside the Harris County Jail.
In June 2023, Joshua Sinclair Owens, aged 35, was incarcerated for murder. According to prosecutors, Owens managed to earn approximately $30,000 within a year by vending drug-infused paper to other inmates in the correctional facility.
According to prosecutors, Owens’ cousin Nathanael Campbell and step-sister Latvia Armiss Bailey assisted him from outside the jail by transferring the money to a Cash App account operated by them. The funds were then deposited into Owens’ commissary account, which has been seized by investigators.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg stated that the seizure of a prisoner’s commissary account resulted from a criminal investigation, marking the first time this tactic has been employed. Ogg described it as a significant and historic approach.
According to Ogg, the commissary is typically utilized for the comfort of prisoners, with items costing only a few dollars. However, in light of other evidence, the fact that $30,000 was transferred through the account of one individual is the foundation for the charges being brought against them.
Authorities have accused Owens of possessing a controlled substance while in a correctional facility and participating in organized criminal activity. Additionally, members of his family are facing charges of engaging in organized criminal activity.
At a press conference held on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Smith revealed that the Harris County Sheriff’s Office came to know about the fraudulent activity through the phone calls between Owens and his family members. During the search of Owens’ cell in March, detention officers found ten sheets of paper infused with synthetic marijuana.
According to a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office in an email statement, they have taken measures to prevent inmates from profiting from criminal activities while being incarcerated. The department has also improved its screening process to minimize the entry of drug-laced paper into the jail premises.
In an email, it was mentioned that the jail administration is always reviewing and improving their security protocols and procedures. The screening process includes both overt and covert practices to ensure a safe and suitable environment for everyone residing or working in the jail.
During a press conference on Tuesday, prosecutors stated that they were still unclear about how Owens managed to obtain the drug-infused paper. It’s worth noting that late last year, a defense attorney and a detention officer were arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the prison. Despite this, the source of the drug-laced paper remains a mystery.
When asked about the possibility of implementing a cap on commissary funds, DA Ogg suggested it as a potential solution. However, it remains unclear whether the sheriff’s office will consider this suggestion, as they have yet to respond to inquiries.
According to ADA Smith, the investigation is still ongoing and far from reaching completion. It is highly probable that more charges will be filed in the future.
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