3 Caught Smuggling Meth Into Sonoma Co. Jail, Arrested: Sheriff's Office

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- A woman and two male inmates at North County Detention Facility were arrested Saturday on suspicion of engaging in smuggling methamphetamine into the jail, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office reported Monday.

The arrests followed an investigation by Sonoma County narcotics detectives into reports that a woman was frequently bringing drugs into the jail facility while visiting inmates, according to sheriff's Sgt. J. Lucas. Drugs within the jail facility have greater value than on the street and are sold to other inmates for commissary goods, the sergeant said.

On Saturday, the detectives conducted surveillance on 35-year-old Windsor resident Melissa Church, following her to the North County Detention Facility.

"Church signed in as visitor and while being kept under constant surveillance she was observed transferring an object to inmate Spencer Peters, 22, who is in custody for various misdemeanor violations," Lucas said.

Correctional staff detained Church and Peters, allegedly recovering a small package of methamphetamine from Peters.

"Based on the investigation, a third subject, inmate Jesse Green, 41, of San Francisco was identified as a co-conspirator who was involved in the scheme by releasing funds to Church for payment of the drugs," Lucas said.

Church, Peters and Green were arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine for sale, transporting and furnishing methamphetamine, bringing a controlled substance into a correctional facility and conspiracy.

Church was additionally held on suspicion of driving on a suspended license and violation of probation, Lucas said.

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