Inmate, wife accused of plotting to bring drugs into St. Tammany Jail

ST. TAMMANY PARISH, La. (WGNO) — An inmate and his wife were arrested in June for allegedly plotting to introduce drugs into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center.

According to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, detectives learned 44-year-old Jonathan Joyner was allegedly receiving deliveries of illegal contraband from his wife, 38-year-old Patricia Picasso. Police allegedly confiscated 1.6 grams of methamphetamine, around 20 suspected Suboxone strips and cigarettes. None of the items were distributed through the jail.

The STPSO said Picasso was arrested on June 25. While searching her house, police allegedly found around 2.5 grams of methamphetamine, around 5.8 grams of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia. Picasso reportedly had two prior arrests in Mississippi for alleged introduction of contraband into a correctional facility.

Picasso received the following charges:

• Introduction of contraband into a correctional facility (3 counts)
• Distribution of a Schedule II C.D.S.
• Distribution of a Schedule III C.D.S.
• Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (methamphetamine)
• Possession with intent to distribute Schedule II (fentanyl)
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Joyner, who was already in custody, was rebooked with the following charges:

• Introduction of contraband into a correctional facility
• Possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II C.D.S.
• Possession with intent to distribute Schedule III C.D.S.

The STPSO said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

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