A Massachusetts jail librarian has been accused of smuggling synthetic marijuana, known as K-2 or “spice,” into the Dartmouth jail by concealing it within documents that appeared to be legal paperwork. Ginger Hook, 46, along with inmate Joseph Housley, 25, and three other individuals, were indicted last month in connection with a drug distribution operation targeting the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction, MassLive reports.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Housley allegedly recruited Hook, an employee of the office, to assist in the smuggling scheme, which had been under investigation since March. On June 9, investigators reportedly observed Hook attempting to deliver 13 pages of the substance. MassLive reports that K-2 can be sprayed onto paper, dried, and later sold for high prices inside correctional facilities.
Authorities said the 13 pages discovered in Hook’s office tested positive for synthetic marijuana, with an estimated value of about $65,000 if sold inside the jail. Sheriff Paul Heroux explained during a press conference that while a sheet of K-2 might sell for around $50 outside, its value can reach about $5,000 in jail, CBS News Boston reports.
Hook resigned from her position in July after being confronted about her alleged involvement. Sheriff Heroux described the case as the largest employee-related drug bust in Bristol County jail history and stated that the facility has since implemented additional screening and deployed more drug-detection K9 units to prevent similar incidents.
