MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — A former detention officer for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office was recently sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to helping smuggle fentanyl and methamphetamine into jail.
Andres Salazar, 28, admitted to partaking in a drug ring at the Lower Buckeye Jail before his arrest in November 2022.
Salazar had been smuggling drugs into the jail on behalf of two inmates, in exchange for cash. Former Sheriff Paul Penzone said he was "disgusted" by Salazar's actions and promised to ramp up drug enforcement in the county's jails.
In the same year of Salazar's offenses, 172 MCSO inmates were taken to the hospital for overdose or drug-related incidents.
At the time of his arrest, officials found drugs in the trunk of Salazar's car and $900. Two jail inmates, Gilbert Lerma and Antwaun Ware, were criminally charged for their alleged involvement in the drug ring.
Salazar also pleaded guilty to a separate theft charge. MCSO said they had uncovered evidence that the officer was reportedly forging overtime slips.
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