After the overdose death of a person incarcerated by the Tennessee Department of Corrections, their visitor has been accused of sneaking drugs into the facility and charged with murder, according to a press release from the TDOC.
Officials stated that Rachel Dollard visited Turney Center Industrial Complex to meet Joshua Brown in February. According to the TDOC Dollard was allegedly seen kissing Brown while he gave him drugs during their visit.
During the kiss, Dollard transferred a balloon pellet holding half an ounce of methamphetamine to Brown, which he ended up swallowing, the TDOC alleges. Authorities stated that he died at a local hospital later.
Last weekend Dollard was taken into custody by TDOC agents and the Dickson County Sheriff’s Department on a warrant from a sealed indictment in Hickman County. She was taken to Hickman County jail where she is currently being held on second-degree murder charges and introduction to a penal institution.
David Imhof, director of the TDOC’s Office of Investigation and Conduct, said this case illustrates the dangers of bringing contraband into prisons.
Brown was serving 11 year sentence for drug-related offenses when he passed away. He was set to be released in 2029.
“Our agency will pursue prosecution against any individual who threatens the safety and security of our staff, the men and women in our custody, and our facilities,”Imhof stated.
Dollard will appear in court in September, Hickman County officials told Digital.