Three SCI-Fayette inmates charged with contraband
Three inmates at the State Correctional Institution at Fayette were charged with possession of contraband Monday.
Jamel Palmer, 26, was also charged with assault for allegedly attacking two corrections officers at the Luzerne Township prison.
According to the affidavit of probable cause filed in his case, Palmer was taken for a random strip search Feb. 14 when officers reportedly noticed something protruding from his buttocks. Palmer allegedly attempted to flush the item down the toilet. He is accused of elbowing officer Aaron Poland in the chest and shoulder, and fighting with officer Kevin Doran and Poland. Doran suffered a long, red mark on his head. The substance was later identified as 18 Suboxone strips. Palmer is charged with two counts each of assault by prisoner and aggravated assault, and one count each of contraband, possession of a controlled substance and disorderly conduct.
Demetrius Jay Grant, 54, allegedly stashed drugs in a typewriter. During a functionality check of the typewriter March 27, officers allegedly found four packages of drugs containing 37 strips of synthetic marijuana and 13 Suboxone strips, according to court documents. He is charged with contraband and possession of a controlled substance.
Gary Hasan Clanton Jr., 34, was charged after he was allegedly found with a balloon containing 16 Suboxone strips Nov. 27, 2017. According to court paperwork, a blue object fell from Clanton’s waistband while he was being searched. Clanton allegedly attempted to swallow the balloon before handing it to officers. He is charged with contraband and possession of a controlled substance.
The substances were tested at the state police crime lab in Greensburg. Lab results confirmed they contain drugs, according to court documents.
Charges were filed Monday before Magisterial District Judge Mike Defino Jr.