Russell Edward Bennett Jr.
Staff
Reports
A search of a Murphy man about to enter the Clay County Detention Center yielded 2.2 grams of methamphetamine which had been folded into a peanut butter sandwich he brought with him.
Around 6:44 a.m. on July 16 Russell Edward Bennett Jr, 44, was transported from the Cherokee County Detention Center to Clay County. Bennett had been picked up in Cherokee County for an outstanding warrant here for a felony larceny charge, according to the sheriff’s office.
As Bennett entered the detention center, he was seen holding a white bag which was said to contain his breakfast from the Cherokee County Detention Center.
Immediately after coming into the Clay County Detention Center, Detention Officer Juan Saldivar began a thorough search of Bennett’s person. Saldivar searched through the bag and contents Bennett was holding. Saldivar parted the bread of a peanut butter sandwich and found a small plastic bag containing 2.2 grams of a crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, according to the sheriff’s office.
Bennett was charged with felony possession of methamphetamine within a prison/jail premises and held without bond. The investigation is continuing.
“I am beyond proud of Saldivar for his dedication and attention to detail in keeping the detention center a safe and secure place for inmates and officers alike,” said Clay County Sheriff Mark Buchanan.