FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2005

INTERNAL AFFAIRS AGENTS ARREST CITIZEN ATTEMPTING TO INTRODUCE ILLEGAL DRUGS INTO A STATE PRISON

BRISTOL, Tenn, - As part of an ongoing investigative effort to prevent the introduction of illegal drugs into the state prison system, the TDOC Internal Affairs Unit in conjunction with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation drug unit and the Drug Task Force of the 2nd Judicial District conducted a drug sting involving a relative of an inmate in Bristol, Tenn.

On the afternoon of August 26, surveillance was conducted of the parking area of the Chevron Station on 5960 Highway 11E in Piney Flats.  Information developed by TDOC agents indicated that civilian Richard Swiney of 1713 King College Road, father of TDOC inmate Samual Swiney, would deliver illegal drugs to an unnamed female civilian cooperating with investigators at the gas station.  These drugs were to be taken into the Northeast Correctional Complex in Johnson County.

"This recent sting should serve as a lasting reminder to anyone who plans to introduce illegal drugs into the state prison system that this type of behavior is being monitored, arrests are being made and persons will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said TDOC Acting Commissioner Gayle Ray.

Agents observed the drug transfer and arrested Swiney without incident.  Approximately three ounces of marijuana, 190 Xanax and 79 Klonopin pills packaged for delivery into the prison system were confiscated.  DTF agents seized the 1996 Cadillac operated by Swiney and $225 cash.

A search warrant was obtained for Swiney's residence where agents seized an additional amount of marijuana and financial records.

Richard Swiney and several unnamed inmates are pending criminal indictment in Sullivan and Johnson counties.  The investigation is ongoing.

 
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