Fiancée charged in effort to smuggle drugs to PCF inmate

Danielle Johnson

PUTNAMVILLE -- A 28-year-old Indianapolis woman is being charged with three felonies for attempting to smuggle drugs to her incarcerated boyfriend at the Putnamville Correctional Facility (PCF).

Danielle Johnson was arrested Tuesday at the Putnamville facility and charged with trafficking with an inmate and possession of cocaine, both Class C felonies, and possession of a controlled substance, a Class D felony.

Johnson was reportedly at the facility visiting her fiancé offender Maurice Griffin, 29, Indianapolis, at the time of the alleged trafficking incident.

At the conclusion of their visit, a strip search of Griffin was conducted when staff observed an article wrapped in electrical tape located on his person.

Griffin attempted to flee staff, at which time the object fell to the floor.

PCF staff members retrieved the package, and the contents were tested and identified as 5.3 grams of cocaine, 115 strips of Suboxone and two grams of Kush.

Johnson was detained, and during a subsequent interview with Correctional Police Officer Troy Keith, she admitted that she had trafficked the items to Griffin during their visit.

Johnson was then transported to the Putnam County Jail for processing.

Griffin, who is serving consecutive felony sentences for dealing cocaine, a Class B felony, and possession of cocaine, a Class D felony, was placed in administrative segregation pending the outcome of an investigation. He could face additional charges.

Griffin's current projected release date is Dec. 30, 2016.

"We're very serious about pursing criminal charges to the fullest extent of the law," PCF Superintendent Stanley Knight said. "Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be enough to deter some from participating in illegal activity.

"One poor choice can lead to a lifetime of consequences," he added. "I hope that anyone with criminal intent considers that before they enter our facility."