Houston attorney charged for allegedly sneaking paperwork laced with drugs into Harris Co. Jail
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A man was arrested after being accused of smuggling drug-laced papers into the Harris County Jail.
Ronald Lewis, 77, is charged with having a prohibited substance in a correctional facility.
Lewis was given a total bond of $15,000, with each charge set at $7,500.
"It was a widespread operation," Harris County Magistrate, Eva Flores, said.
Lewis' part in an alleged drug smuggling scheme came to light in a Harris County courtroom Saturday.
According to documents, Lewis' involvement spanned from July to November of this year.
"The defendant in this case received money from jail inmates to whom he delivered drug laced papers to several inmates which reported adverse side effects with two inmates died as a result of the ingesting the substance brought into the jail by the defendant," the DA's office stated.
Lewis was smuggling in synthetic cannabis, according to court documents.
The magistrate noted while there may be correlation between the drugs ingested and the inmate deaths---the final medical examiner report in both cases are still pending.
"I don't have evidence of causation at this time," Flores said.
The magistrate also noted Lewis had some kind of supplier on the outside and there was no allegation he was mixing the substances himself.
But she said it's reasonable to assume Lewis, as a once fully practicing attorney, knows the dangers of synthetic substances.
According to charging documents, jail inmates were delivered drug-laced papers and paid Lewis between July 20 through Nov. 17.
Prosecutors added that Lewis allegedly met with multiple inmates during this time period.
Investigators said other inmates experienced adverse effects from the drug, and two inmates died as a result of ingesting the laced papers.
The magistrate also noted Lewis had some kind of supplier on the outside and there was no allegation he was mixing the substances himself.
But she said it's reasonable to assume Lewis, as a once fully practicing attorney, knows the dangers of synthetic substances.
"It's nothing but chemicals, it's not regulated, there is no quality control," Flores said.
Lewis was working with several Baker Street Jail inmates to pull off the scheme, according to court documents.
He is now facing two counts of possession of prohibited substances in a correctional facility.
Lewis posted bond and is due back in court on Monday.
His status could change pending the outcome of the medical examiner reports on both deceased inmates.
"I am not going to find causation at this time and even the state doesn't have that information at this time. I also recognize if the state does develop that information they can and will file new charges," Flores said.
Authorities have not disclosed which inmate deaths were related to this case.
As of Nov. 15, Harris County has recorded 17 jail custody deaths so far in 2023.
SEE MORE: 2 Harris County jail inmates die days apart while awaiting trial, authorities say
