SUNBURY - Northumberland County Prison Warden Roy Johnson told the prison board Wednesday officers confiscated four contraband items in the last month.
Johnson said the items had been thrown over the prison walls.
While they know who did it, Johnson said there is not enough evidence to press charges.
The contraband consisted of tobacco and prescription medication, and it was confiscated before any inmates were able to obtain them. They were disposed of immediately, Johnson said.
The warden thanked adult chief probation officer Dave Wondoloski and his department for investigating the matter and identifying an ex-inmate based on inmate testimony and circumstantial video evidence.
Apparently, Johnson said, the inmate was making $250 on each delivery.
Contraband in the prison has been an issue in the last few months for which Commissioner Vinny Clausi, who was not at the prison board meeting, has been demanding solutions.
Other business
In the last month, three employees resigned and four were terminated, according to the warden's report.
There are four candidates being interviewed and vetted for the open positions, Johnson said.
Commissioner Stephen Bridy also updated the board members on an invitation to the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) to spend two days reviewing prison policies, procedures, practices, medical services and facilities.
The goal is to have NIC make a recommendation to the prison board in relation to the construction of a new prison, he said.
Inspectors from NIC will likely conduct their investigation in August, Bridy said.
They did a similar inspection in 2009, and President Judge Robert Sacavage asked for a copy of that report when it becomes available.
"I'd like to look at that. We don't want to waste time on what was already fixed," he said.
The board also held a 25-minute executive session on medical issues of prisoners.