Elmira, NY — A Chemung County Jail inmate faces new charges after meth was allegedly found during processing.
According to the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office, investigators arrested 35-year-old Robert D. Hodge of Elmira following a March 4 incident inside the Chemung County Jail involving suspected prison contraband.
Authorities say the Criminal Investigation Division began investigating around 11:43 a.m. March 4 after information surfaced about contraband inside the facility.
During the investigation, officials determined that while being processed by a Chemung County Jail correctional officer, Hodge was allegedly found in possession of a plastic bag containing methamphetamine.
The sheriff’s office said Hodge had multiple opportunities to discard illegal items before entering the facility, including access to the Chemung County Jail Amnesty Program Bin, which allows individuals being booked to surrender contraband without facing additional charges.
Investigators allege the drugs were still discovered during intake procedures.
As a result, Hodge was charged with:
- Promoting Prison Contraband in the Second Degree
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree
Both charges are classified as Class A misdemeanors under New York law.
Officials said Hodge was already incarcerated at the Chemung County Jail on unrelated charges at the time of the incident. He remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned in Elmira City Court at a later date, according to authorities.
The investigation was conducted by the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.
Cases involving contraband inside correctional facilities often lead to additional charges because of the heightened security risks posed within jail environments, officials note.
The case may draw attention from younger residents and students in the Elmira area following local public safety updates shared on social media.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news.
Have a tip? Message us.
