Woman accused of smuggling syringe into jail

[November 20, 2013]  EDWARDSVILLE (AP) — A woman is accused of smuggling a syringe and disposable lighter into a southwestern Illinois jail.

Prosecutors in Madison County have charged 19-year-old Courtney McKinnon of Troy with bringing contraband into a penal institution, in this case the county jail.

Authorities say that after being arrested Sunday and taken to the lockup by Maryville police on an outstanding warrant, McKinnon was found trying to hide something under a blanket her holding cell. Investigators say the items turned out to be the syringe and lighter.

Online court records don't show whether McKinnon has an attorney. She does not have a listed home telephone number.

[Associated Press]

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