Meth-soaked mail found in Pierce County Jail

A Pierce County Jail inmate received at least two letters soaked with methamphetamine, authorities say.

Now, Rickey Yandell, 49, is charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance. He pleaded not guilty Friday, and bail was set at $50,000.

Yandell remains in the jail, where he was booked Nov. 18 after being charged with residential burglary and second-degree possession of stolen property.

A corrections deputy and her K-9 partner, Rocket, were asked to investigate one of Yandell’s letters that “appeared to be suspicious because of its physical appearance,” according to charging papers.

Officials placed 10 pieces of mail on the floor. The dog drew attention to a letter addressed to Yandell.

The corrections officer went to Yandell’s cell, and the dog drew attention to a second letter. About one-third of the page had been torn off, records show.

Both letters tested positive for meth.

“This is a new take on an old problem — smuggling drugs into jail,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist.

This story was originally published January 6, 2017 at 5:12 PM with the headline "Meth-soaked mail found in Pierce County Jail."