RivCo Woman Arrested, Accused Of Smuggling Narcotics Into Banning Jail: Sheriff

CORONA, CA — A Corona woman was arrested Friday for allegedly smuggling narcotics to an inmate residing at a Banning jail via the U.S. Postal Service following a yearlong investigation.

Josie Leanne Halcon, 51, was booked into Smith Correctional Facility Friday on suspicion of smuggling narcotics into a jail and for a parole violation, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

An investigation began in November into members of the public working with inmates to smuggle narcotics into the facility, according to Sgt. Matt Posson. Authorities identified Halcon as the suspect and David Benson, 39, of Riverside, as the inmate who allegedly received the drugs.

A served search warrant was executed Friday at Halcon's residence, in the 1900 block of Frontage Road in Corona, where she was taken into custody without incident. Deputies allegedly found suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and evidence that she had smuggled narcotics into the jail during the search warrant.

Additional charges were filed against Benson on suspicion of smuggling narcotics and conspiracy, Posson said.

The investigation was ongoing and anyone with additional information was asked to contact Investigator Franklin Enochs at 951-955-7076.