Mississippi attorney accused of smuggling cellphones, chargers, and drugs into jail

HINDS COUNTY, Miss. (TCN) -- A 49-year-old attorney faces charges after allegedly smuggling contraband, including drugs and cellphones, into a detention center during visitations with inmates.

According to Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones, deputies began the investigation on Aug. 7 when they obtained footage that showed an exchange between attorney Daniel Dale and a detainee at the Raymond Detention Center on Aug. 5. Dale allegedly gave a client a cellphone and a brown envelope containing unknown items.

The sheriff said Dale came back to the detention center as an attorney needing to see a client. He reportedly had a silver briefcase with him, and a machine detected contraband inside during his entrance. According to Jones, officials found cellphones, marijuana, tobacco, a digital scale, phone chargers, and other electronic equipment in the suitcase.

The sheriff alleges that Dale posed as legal counsel for detainees when he smuggled various items. He had reportedly visited the facility at least 10 times since June.

According to affidavits reviewed by WLBT-TV, Dale allegedly conspired with two detainees in the crime, William Harness Jr. and Marcell Martin.

On Aug. 8, the sheriff’s office announced that Dale was arrested on two counts of conspiracy and three counts of introduction of contraband to a correctional facility. Further charges are possible pending investigation.

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