Joplin man accused of distributing drugs inside city jail before he and other inmates overdosed
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A Joplin man is accused of distributing suspected narcotics inside the Joplin City Jail, triggering a series of apparent overdoses that sent seven inmates to hospitals and prompted the evacuation of the facility.
Police announced that 48-year-old James Johnny was arrested following an investigation into the Tuesday incident.
According to investigators, surveillance video shows Johnny displaying a white object in his left hand to another inmate.
The two then moved into a corner of a jail cell, where several other inmates gathered.
Within 15 minutes, every inmate in that group began showing signs of an overdose.
Police say investigators uncovered additional evidence indicating Johnny knowingly received and distributed narcotics while in custody.
During a search of the jail, officers discovered a small amount of white powder near where inmates experienced the medical emergencies. Investigators suspect the substance is fentanyl, although laboratory testing has not yet confirmed its identity.
The substance was sent to the Missouri State Crime Lab for analysis.
Johnny was among the seven inmates transported to local hospitals following the suspected overdoses.
Police have submitted a charge of delivery of a controlled substance to the Jasper County Prosecutor's Office for consideration.
Additional charges could follow as the investigation continues.
Investigators have not publicly explained how the suspected narcotics entered the detention facility.
