Texarkana Mom Accused Of Trying To Smuggle Contraband To Inmate Son
TEXARKANA, Texas–A mother who allegedly tried to smuggle meth, synthetic
marijuana and cigarettes to a son in the Bowie County jail is now in
custody herself.
Charlene Ann Johnson, 49, and her son, Markel Demorris Sims, 30, were
allegedly heard on jail phone calls discussing a drop of contraband near
the Bowie County jail in early January, according to a probable cause
affidavit.
Johnson allegedly described the location of a black sock containing
suspected methamphetamine, synthetic marijauna and a pack of menthol
cigarettes during a call with Sims, the affidavit said. Jail personnel
located a black sock on Jan. 7 which contained approximately .8 grams of
methamphetamine, cigarettes and 5.8 grams of synthetic marijuana.
During the call, Johnson allegedly referred to a package of “cartoon” being
in the drop. Cartoon is a slang term used to describe synthetic marijuana,
also known on the street as K-2.
Jail staff had been monitoring Sims’ calls since mid-December after he was
found in possession of $60 in cash in the jail. Sims had allegedly offered
the money to a staff member in exchange for pizza, the affidavit said.
Inmates are not permitted to possess currency.
Johnson has been arrested for prohibited substance in a correctional
facility and is currently being held in the Bowie County jail with bail set
at $30,000. She faces two to 20 years if convicted.
Sims is currently being held in the Bowie County jail on multiple charges,
including unauthorized use of a vehicle, fraudulent use of identifying
information and prohibited substance in a correctional facility, jail
records show.