Jeannette couple accused of trying to get drugs to jail through court bathroom

A Jeannette couple is accused of trying to get drugs from a city district court bathroom into the Westmoreland County Prison, according to court papers.

Takeya Shantail Woods and Maurice Williams, both 24, were arrested Thursday after authorities found a piece of paper with suspected K2, or synthetic marijuana, sprayed on it and taped to the back of the toilet tank.

Both suspects were arrested two weeks ago in connection with a drug bust at their home in which agents from the state Attorney General’s Office seized drugs, guns and other items associated with drug sales. Woods posted $15,000 bail three days later, but Williams has remained jailed on $50,000 bail.

Westmoreland County sheriff’s deputies and detectives allege in court papers that phone calls between the pair from the jail indicated the exchange may occur while Woods and Williams were at their preliminary hearings Thursday at District Judge Joseph DeMarchis’ office.

Sheriff’s deputies searched the bathroom, holding cell and common area of the court building before hearings started for the day, according to court papers. Investigators reported watching Woods walk into the bathroom with her toddler daughter, close the door and then exit moments later.

Afterward, police found the piece of paper, according to court papers.

DeMarchis revoked Woods’ and Williams’ bail in the Sept. 13 drug arrests. He set bail in the new cases at $50,000 each. Woods and Williams are charged with drug possession and contraband. Woods faces an additional child endangerment count.

Preliminary hearings in all of the cases are set for Oct. 17. Neither had an attorney listed in online court papers.

2nd case in 2 months

It’s the second time in two months that a person has allegedly tried to pass drugs to an inmate through the bathroom at DeMarchis’ office.

Maria Harshey, 43, is accused of leaving drugs in the bathroom Aug. 1 for her boyfriend, Adam Brandonio, 45, to take back to the jail with him after a hearing, according to investigators.

Both were charged Aug. 22.

Investigators found a blue finger of a latex glove that contained Suboxone strips, pills and tobacco. It was wedged behind the toilet tank, according to court papers. The pair is charged with contraband, conspiracy and related offenses.