Woman Accused Of Sending Drug-Soaked Letter To Inmate Arrested

SANTEE, CA — A woman was arrested on suspicion of sending a drug-laced letter to a San Diego County jail.

Deputies staffing the Sheriff's Mail Processing Center on Aug. 23 noticed a letter intended for an inmate appeared to have been drenched in some type of liquid and dried, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Deputies tested the letter and discovered that it had been soaked in liquid methamphetamine, Sgt. Aaron Brooke said.

"The way in which the narcotics were concealed is a known method of the delivery of narcotics," Brooke told Patch. "Although it's not an everyday occurrence, it is known and something our processing deputies look for."

After an investigation, authorities determined that Misty Vantine, 45, of North County had sent the drug-spiked letter, Brooke said.

"The letter was sent to our Mail Processing Center where all incoming mail is sent, processed and delivered to each facility. This is a process we have implemented to stop such occurrences," Brooke told Patch. "The letter was intended for her acquaintance."

Vantine was arrested Friday in the parking lot of the George Bailey Detention Facility in Otay Mesa. During the arrest, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found inside her vehicle, Brooke said.

Vantine was booked into Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility in Santee on suspicion of bringing drugs into a jail, trying to sell a controlled substance to an inmate, and conspiracy to commit a crime.