The dual-view, full-body scanner the Grayson County Detention Center recently purchased has already paid off by keeping contraband out of the facility.
According to Chief Deputy Jailer Bo Thorpe, 23-year-old Katelyn R. Houchin, of Hudson, was charged with first-degree promoting contraband after Deputy Jailer Jennifer Johnson spotted, via the full-body scanner, “contraband on her person” while Houchin was being processed into the facility on Wednesday. The contraband was determined to be a glass pipe and baggie containing an unknown substance, believed to be methamphetamine, according to Thorpe.
Upon request, Houchin removed the contraband, with jail officials taking the items into evidence.
Houchin had been arrested on charges of DUI and wanton endangerment by Leitchfield Police Officer Eugene Cain.
Jailer Jason Woosley said the scanner is similar to body scanners used at airports and will make the jail safer for staff and inmates after a few “serious” contraband issues over the last few years. He said the scanner takes simultaneous x-rays, giving authorities a two-dimensional image, and are so sensitive that if an inmate has taken a pill the scanner detects its presence inside the person being scanned.
Woosley previously told Grayson County Fiscal Court that prisoners have hidden drugs, cellphones and other contraband in body cavities, actions that the dual-view, full-body scanner will detect.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
