State police arrest man for trafficking at PCF

A Chicago man was arrested Friday for attempting to bring marijuana into the Putnamville Correctional Facility.

Jason E. Moore, 19, was arrested by Indiana State Police at the prison's visitor entrance building when marijuana was found on the inmate he had been visiting, a man he claimed was his cousin.

The inmate, Laron Vaughn, is serving an 11-year sentence for attempted robbery out of Lake County.

Moore has been charged with trafficking with an inmate, a class C felony and dealing in marijuana, a class D felony. He is currently being held at the Putnam County Jail.

ISP Sgt. Scott Stockton, who investigated the incident, told the BannerGraphic a strip search of Vaughn performed by prison staff showed he had the illegal substance hidden in his shoes. Staff believe the two men may have switched shoes during the visit.

Moore was arrested as he attempted to leave the prison.

"He came down with a pair of shoes packed with marijuana by someone in Chicago," Stockton said. "(Moore) told us his prints would not be on the package. He seemed to have been utilized as a mule."

According to the Indiana State Police report, Moore admitted to officers he had been transporting the drugs into the prison.

Stockton said a woman of similar age to Moore and a months-old baby were also at the visit. However, the woman has not been charged.

Only trace amounts of marijuana was found in the pair's rental vehicle, and none was found on the woman's body, Stockton said. She was released and returned to Chicago.

As for Vaughn, prison information officer James Ebey said he is under investigation by Putnamville Internal Affairs officer and possible charges related to the incident are pending.

Moore has a previous drug-related conviction from Cook County, Ill.