Deputy Nathan Williams was processing a traffic stop on I 40 near mile marker 258 regarding expired tags on a white 2009 Chevy Impala when items wrapped in black electrical tape and a firearm were discovered. Sergeant Junior Fields responded to the scene to assist.
The driver Haidie Thinoi was questioned. She indicated that she was traveling back from Morgan County Correctional Complex toward Memphis. She had visited an inmate and was supposed to deliver marijuana and tobacco to the inmate, but had decided not to follow through. The passenger Carl Williams was also questioned. He indicated that items were given to him by his brother and they planned to give them to a third party in Knoxville.
Upon opening the items that were taped in black electrical tape 2.2 ounces of methamphetamine, 1 ounce of marijuana and 18 grams of tobacco were discovered, along with a small cell phone. Thinoi and Williams were transported to the Smith County Correctional Facility.
Further questioning of the driver and passenger continued to reveal discrepancies in the stories. Finally it was determined that Thinoi had planned to deliver the drugs and tobacco into the facility. Thinoi indicated that after she interacted with the inmate she had decided against the plan. In the past, she admitted she had successfully delivered items including a scan disk, bubble gum and cigarettes to the inmate. However, she determined it was not worth the risk to deliver the drugs as planned.
Thinoi said that the firearm was in the car for her own protection since she believed the area in Memphis she lived was not safe. Thinoi was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of schedule VI for resale and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Williams was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of schedule VI for resale.
Sergeant Junior Fields and the Smith County Sheriffs Department were commended by the Tennessee Department of Corrections for preventing dangerous contraband from entering a Tennessee Correctional Facility. In a letter, Lisa Helton, Interim Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Corrections, shared her gratitude and appreciation for keen awareness and judiciousness in their efforts to maintain public safety.
