Using information gathered by Walker County Jail CIRT team members, Narcotics Investigator Jim Browne was able to obtain multiple felony warrants on two individuals after a delivery of drugs was found to have been made to the Walker County Jail.
A nurse on the medical staff for the county jail was advised that protein drinks, which were delivered, could contain contraband. medical staff later confirmed the drinks had, in fact, been tampered with.
Browne, who took possession of the drinks, discovered 24 grams of Methamphetamine, 23 grams of Marijuana, Suboxone and a battery smuggled inside.
Janice Niblett Johnson, 60, of Sumiton, was arrested for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Promoting Prison Contraband. She brought the tampered protein drinks to the county jail for inmate Nicholas Heath Rice, who is currently in custody for Trafficking Fentanyl amongst other charges.
Johnson was taken into custody Wednesday during Rice’s bond reduction hearing. Rice’s bond reduction request was also denied by the Judge and he remains in jail on a $250,000 cash-only bond.
Rice, 44, of Jasper, now has an additional charge of Conspiracy to Commit a Controlled Substance Crime – Distribution of a Controlled Substance, for allegedly arranging for the drugs to be delivered to the county jail.
