Two Men Admit Smuggling Fentanyl into St. Francois County Jail, Causing Inmate’s Death
ST. LOUIS – In a shocking case of corruption, two men have admitted to smuggling fentanyl into the St. Francois County Jail, resulting in the devastating death of an inmate.
Garry W. Triplett, 37, of Bonne Terre, Missouri, and Timothy L. Noll, 35, of Park Hills, Missouri, pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy to smuggle drugs into the jail. Triplett admitted to providing 3 grams of fentanyl and 3 grams of methamphetamine to an intermediary, while Noll admitted to distributing these controlled substances to his cellmate, leading to the inmate’s overdose death.
According to court documents, Noll arrived at the jail on July 27, 2021, and quickly set out to find someone to smuggle drugs into the facility. He found an intermediary and instructed them to obtain the drugs from Triplett. The initial distribution was captured on a video call, where Noll advised the intermediary on how to conceal the drugs in a bible.
On August 1, the intermediary dropped off the bible at the jail, which was later given to Noll’s cellmate. The next morning, Noll was transferred to state prison, but he couldn’t bring the bible with him. Noll had staff give the bible to his cellmate, who died on August 4 of mixed drug intoxication. The victim’s body was found with 19 ng/ml of fentanyl in their bloodstream, a lethal dose.
As part of the investigation, investigators discovered a clear plastic baggie with methamphetamine residue and a King James Bible with a detached spine on a shelf in the cell. The case was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Bluestone is prosecuting the case.
Noll is scheduled to be sentenced in August, while Triplett is scheduled to be sentenced in September. The death resulting charge carries a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison, with a maximum penalty of life and a $10 million fine.
The case highlights the serious issue of drug smuggling in correctional facilities and the devastating consequences it can have on inmates and their families. As Grimy Times continues to investigate this case, we will provide updates on the sentencing and any further developments.
Related Federal Cases
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- KC Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Fentanyl Conspiracy Linked to Overdose Death · Kansas
- Cole County Jail Inmate Sentenced for Cocaine Possession · Missouri
- 10 Lbs of Meth & Fentanyl: NY Man Faces Life in MO · Kansas
- NY Dealer Down: 10lbs Meth, 400g Fentanyl · Kansas
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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