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SHERIFF: Woman, inmate charged with attempting to traffic synthetic marijuana through East Texas jail

Officials say substance was being smuggled via U.S. mail by people conspiring with an inmate identified as Kenneth Lamar Lynch.

POLK COUNTY, Texas — The Polk County Sheriff's Office says they intercepted synthetic marijuana that was reportedly on its way to be trafficked through the jail.

According to the PCSO, on Thursday, Nov. 7, officials launched an investigation into the attempted delivery of K2 to an inmate at the Polk County Jail. The PCSO says the substance was being smuggled via U.S. mail by people conspiring with an inmate identified as Kenneth Lamar Lynch.

"Through diligent investigative efforts, the Jail Division and Narcotics Detectives were able to identify and intercept the package before it reached its intended destination within the jail," the PCSO said. "The operation involved meticulous tracking of the envelope’s shipment, which ultimately allowed authorities to prevent the prohibited substance from being delivered to the intended target."

The PCOS says Lynch worked with Michelle Rae Johnston and others, to orchestrate the mailing of the package. 

As a result, six warrants were issued for Lynch and Johnston.

Charges against Lynch include:

  • Engaging in organized criminal activity 
  • Criminal conspiracy - Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance 
  • Prohibited substance in a correctional facility 

Johnston's charges include:

  • Prohibited substance in a correctional facility 
  • Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance 
  • Engaging in organized criminal activity

"This case highlights the ongoing efforts of Polk County Jail Division and Narcotics Division to protect the integrity of its correctional facilities and prevent the smuggling of contraband," the PCSO said. "In addition to the state charges filed, federal charges may also be pursued as the investigation continues."

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