Visitor at Warren Correctional Institution arrested for Illegal Drug Conveyance - 7/28/2010

LEBANON- A female visiting at the Warren Correctional Institution is scheduled to appear in Lebanon Municipal Court today after troopers arrested her yesterday for attempting to convey drugs into the Warren Correctional Institution.

Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers charged Loretta J. Cottey, 53, of Hamilton, Ohio, with attempting to convey drugs onto the grounds of a detention facility, a third-degree felony, and possessing criminal tools, a fifth degree felony.

Troopers and Department of Rehabilitation and Correction investigators obtained information that Cottey would be attempting to convey drugs to her son, an inmate at the Warren Correctional Institution, during a scheduled visit. When Cottey arrived for her visit, Troopers confronted her about her involvement in the conveyance of drugs. She voluntarily surrendered eight small balloons containing approximately two grams of suspected marijuana in each, 58 Klonopin tablets, and two one-hundred dollar bills.

Cotty was incarcerated in the Warren County Jail. If convicted, she could face up to six years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol investigates criminal activity on state-owned and leased property.

A photo of the seized cocaine is available for download on the Patrol’s web site at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov.