Inmate Gets Extra Charges For Sneaking Drugs Into Jail

An inmate at the Land O’ Lakes Jail who turned himself in May 2 to serve a 45-day sentence on petty theft charges now faces a felony count of introducing contraband into a detention facility.

According to a Pasco County complaint affidavit, the suspect swallowed four balloons containing 20 methadone tablets before he turned himself in. The balloons were discovered on May 6 in the man’s stool, the affidavit said.

Following the new charge, the suspect admitted to smuggling in one balloon with five tablets in it. He told deputies he intended to use the methadone personally while he was in custody.

Charged was Scott Preli, 30, of 34825 Buck Road in Zephyrhills. In addition to the original sentence, he now faces a $5,000 bond on the drug charge.