A former attorney from Houston was charged with smuggling narcotic-laced documents into the Harris County Jail, Fox News reported Tuesday.
Ronald Lewis, 77, faces charges linked to the deaths of two inmates and severe side effects in others, according to Fox News. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lewis Nov. 17, and at the time of his arrest, he allegedly had 11 sheets of documents infused with drugs. The Texas Rangers are currently conducting tests on the confiscated papers to verify the presence of narcotics, Fox News reported.
Retired Houston attorney allegedly killed two inmates with drug-laced papers: officials https://t.co/LTGolRadWX pic.twitter.com/ofidJQGj4g
— New York Post (@nypost) November 21, 2023
Court records reveal the substance in question to be methoxy dimethyl oxobutane. “The laced sheets of mail were often disguised as legal mail or other forms of legal documents. Inmates would pay the attorneys $200 to $500 to bring in the laced papers,” said Harris County Sheriff’s Office Lt. J Wheeler during a press conference, Fox News reported. (RELATED: Three Fulton County Jail Officials Step Down After Death Of Inmate Allegedly Left In Unsanitary Conditions)
Lewis is accused of visiting 14 inmates between July and Nov. 2023, during which around 154 sheets believed to contain narcotics were seized. The extent of Lewis’ relationship with these inmates remains unclear. However, his activities have prompted changes in jail security protocols, according to Fox News.
In 2022, Harris County Jail reported 27 inmate deaths, with 19 occurring in 2023. These numbers highlight the growing concerns about safety and security within the facility.
Lewis, who has since posted a $7,500 bond, is now prohibited from visiting the jail as the investigation continues.