ATHENS, Ohio – Two people were arrested after authorities intercepted an alleged drug transfer inside the Athens Municipal Courthouse on February 20.
According to the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens County Task Force conducted a coordinated investigation after suspicious activity was identified during monitoring of the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail.
Sheriff’s officials said Detective Cowgill of the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office observed activity inside the jail and alerted the Athens County Drug Task Force. A task force analyst reviewed recorded calls, identified the anticipated time and location of the alleged transfer, and coordinated with the Athens Police Department.
Authorities said Athens Police officers and Sheriff’s Office transport deputies were positioned during inmate movement and intercepted suspected narcotics inside the courthouse before the drugs could be introduced into the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail facility.
Heidi Miller, 41, of Athens, was arrested. According to investigators, Tyler Howard was also taken into custody. Miller faces felony charges related to drug trafficking and illegal conveyance into a detention facility. Howard faces related felony charges.
Sheriff Rodney Smith credited multiple agencies for their cooperation, including the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, Athens Police Department, the Athens County Prosecutor’s Office, and members of the Athens County Task Force.
The investigation remains ongoing. Court dates have not yet been announced.
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