Toronto woman sentenced in jail drug case

Tayonna Wade, a 28-year-old woman from Toronto, was sentenced to 60 months in the state penitentiary for attempting to convey fentanyl into Jefferson County Jail. Judge Joseph J. Bruzzese ordered two consecutive 30-month sentences after Wade's guilty plea. On July 3, she tried to bring over 5 grams of fentanyl into the jail, raising concerns about drug trafficking within correctional facilities. Prosecutor Stephen Lamatrice indicated that Wade could have faced up to 36 months for each of her charges, underscoring the severity of her actions.

Her attorney, Bruce Clark, stated that the plea agreement was reasonable given the potential for harsher charges. This incident is part of a broader trend of drug-related offenses affecting jails and prisons. Law enforcement continues to grapple with the influx of controlled substances in these environments. The case emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance against drug smuggling in correctional facilities.