On January 31, 2025, Lieutenant Keaira Hawkins, a supervisor at the Dub Brassell Adult Detention Center (DBDC) was processing detainees mail which had been delivered the center.
Shortly after doing so she became unconscious but was soon revived by jail staff.
Due to the reaction Lieutenant Hawkins had it is suspected that the documents inside the envelope(s) she handled were possibly laced with fentanyl.
This can only be verified once the documents are sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for analysis. Lieutenant Hawkins was transported to the Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC) as a precaution, for observation.
We are thankful Lieutenant Hawkins was able to receive treatment at the facility by our own staff and hopeful she makes a full recovery. But we are again reminded of the challenges that our jailers, and deputies face on a daily basis because of those who seek to introduce contraband into our facilities.
While it can often be actual attempts made by people in the facility, we also face a challenge of items entering in seemingly harmless ways as envelopes and packages.
This incident is under investigation and if any suspects are identified and probable cause is found, they will be brought to justice.
