A Johnson County detention deputy has been accused of distributing hydrocodone to a fellow detention officer.
A probable cause affidavit indicates an investigation into the matter began following an incident captured on video camera April 4th. Johnson County Sheriff Tom Hughes asked a narcotics officer and the investigator to look at the passing of two pills between two detention officers. According to the affidavit, one of the deputies turned in statements which prompted an interview with detention deputy Lydia Ewing. In the interview, Ewing admitted to giving another deputy two pills and thought she was giving him Tylenol for his back pain but said she may have given him hydrocodone instead by accident, according to the affidavit. Ewing claims it was an accident caused by a mislabeled bottle.
The affidavit said camera footage shows Ewing getting a piece of gum, taking the wrapper out of camera view and coming back into sight giving the other deputy the wrapper. Two white pills were sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab as evidence.
A warrant for detention deputy Lydia Ewing’s arrest was issued on June 20th, according to court filings. Ewing faces a possession of controlled substance charge. If found guilty, she could face up to six years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and/or up to a $10,000 fine.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI