CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Authorities are investigating suspected drugs discovered inside the Ross County Jail after a deputy found a small bag containing a white substance near the facility’s infirmary, according to a recently released sheriff’s office incident report.
The discovery was made on Jan. 19, during a routine walk-through of the infirmary area, where a baggy was found on the floor with suspected narcotics inside. The item was secured in an evidence locker, the report states.
The following morning, investigators reviewed jail documentation and retrieved the item — described as a small clear bag holding a white substance — from the evidence area. Photographs were taken before the material was submitted to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for laboratory testing.
Surveillance footage from the infirmary later showed one inmate filling a plastic bag with the suspected substance and sliding it into a hallway. Another inmate, who was on the phone at the time, picked up the bag and later discarded it in the area where it was found. Both inmates were housed in the same infirmary cell.
A search of that cell did not locate additional suspected drugs. One inmate was interviewed after being advised of his Miranda rights and claimed the substance was salt, saying he had emptied salt packets into the bag. He acknowledged the activity appeared suspicious and said the other inmate declined the bag. He was informed that criminal charges could be pursued if laboratory testing confirmed the presence of drugs. The interview was recorded, and the inmate was later released.
During a separate search of another infirmary cell, investigators located an orange Keefe coffee bag containing two hard, round, compacted balloons consistent with contraband packaged for internal concealment. The balloons were not opened due to safety concerns. Photographs were taken, and the items were packaged and submitted for testing.
The inmate assigned to that cell was on medical furlough at the time of the search. Surveillance footage from the period of the inmate’s absence is under review.
The investigation remains open. Potential charges include illegal conveyance of drugs of abuse into a detention facility and possession of drugs, both felony offenses under Ohio law.
No additional details on the substance, suspect’s names, or further developments were immediately available.