By Astrid Galvan
Albuquerque Journal
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A Metropolitan Detention Center corrections officer was arrested Tuesday after a weekslong investigation into allegations he was smuggling drugs into the jail.
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested Anthony Kennedy, 32, after conducting surveillance for several weeks. Authorities said Kennedy, who has worked at MDC for about two years, was found with heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana and tobacco under his clothes. Officials said tobacco is the most common contraband because the jail doesn’t allow smoking. A single cigarette can cost between $15 and $25.
Authorities did not know the exact weight or value of the drugs.
MDC officials received a tip from “inside sources” that Kennedy was trafficking drugs into the building a few weeks ago, Deputy Chief Tommy Trujillo said at a news conference Tuesday evening.
MDC then contacted the Sheriff’s Department, which began surveillance on Kennedy.
Police said a woman who was also arrested, but on unrelated misdemeanor warrants, is under investigation as a possible co-conspirator. An inmate is also being investigated, Trujillo said.
So far, deputies know little about the situation. They are investigating how long Kennedy had brought drugs into the facilities, how often and to whom.
Sheriff’s Capt. Gregg Marcantel said deputies are investigating Kennedy’s financial records.
He hailed the cooperation between the jail and the Sheriff’s Department.
Copyright 2010 Albuquerque Journal