A BCSO investigation has resulted in the arrests of three individuals accused of participating in a scheme to introduce contraband into the Bay County Jail.
At the beginning of July, investigators with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division received information regarding individuals attempting to smuggle tobacco, methamphetamine, and buprenorphine strips into the Bay County Jail by utilizing a jail trustee assigned to the BCSO Automotive Shop.
As part of the investigation, investigators prepared and delivered a controlled decoy package to the designated drop location. Surveillance units monitored the package until 43-year-old jail trustee Norman Barfield III recovered it and attempted to conceal it within the automotive shop. Investigators immediately took Barfield into custody and recovered the decoy package, along with additional contraband discovered during the investigation.
Through interviews and covert investigative techniques, investigators identified 37-year-old Derrick Parnell and 46-year-old James Hill as Barfield’s co-conspirators. Investigators determined that Parnell and Hill coordinated the contraband drop, with Parnell arranging payment to Barfield in exchange for introducing the package into the jail.
The following charges have been filed:
*Norman Barfield III (43-years-old)
Attempted Introduction of Contraband into a County Jail
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of a Controlled Substance Without a Prescription (Buprenorphine)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
*Derrick Parnell (37-years-old)
Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Jail (Methamphetamine)
Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Jail (Tobacco)
Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Jail (Buprenorphine)
*James Hill (46-years-old)
Conspiracy to Introduce Contraband into a County Jail (Tobacco)
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to preventing the introduction of illegal drugs, tobacco, and other contraband into the Bay County Jail. Investigators will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who attempts to compromise the safety and security of the facility, whether they are inside or outside the jail.
