Mississippi attorney Daniel Dale was caught smuggling drugs, cell phones, and a digital scale into a prison.
Dale was arrested Thursday while trying to smuggle drugs to his clients at the Hinds County Detention Center.
The contraband included marijuana, a digital scale, cigarettes, cellphones, phone chargers, pills in bubble packs, and more.
Dale was charged with two counts of conspiracy and introduction of contraband to a correctional facility. Additional charges are expected to be tacked on later.
Dale’s incarcerated clients also face conspiracy charges.
“Attorney Dale, allegedly posing as legal counsel for some Hinds County detainees, was allegedly smuggling cell phones and other contraband during visitations,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “During a visitation this afternoon he was found to be in possession of several items of contraband and cell phones in an attempt to pass them to a detainee. He was detained, questioned and later charged. Attorney Dale, in a trusted position responsible for the constitutional rights of arrested suspects, jeopardized the safety and integrity of the Hinds County Detention Facilities and the public.”
Attorneys usually aren’t searched when they visit clients in correctional facilities. Prison officials are fighting a losing battle against contraband in their facilities.
Correctional officers, prison staff, friends, and family members have been arrested while smuggling contraband into prisons.
