June 24th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

A correctional officer Sergeant has been indicted by an Allegeny County grand jury for possessing drugs and bringing the contraband into a correctional facility.

Sgt. Coyd Cole, 40, of Westernport, MD was discovered by fellow correctional officers with 60 oxycodone pills on March 15, 2019 when he reported for work at Western Correctional Institution in Cumberland, MD.

The grand jury indicted Cole, an 18-year veteran, with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of contraband in a place of confinement. The department suspended Cole pending the outcome of the case.

Cole was confronted and searched by fellow officers after showing up for work appearing to be under the influence. Cole faces up to four years in prison and a maximum $25,000 fine for the drug charge and an up to $1,000 fine and maximum three years in prison on the smuggling charge.

“Drugs fuel prison violence and puts our dedicated officers at risk,” Secretary Robert L. Green said. “We commend our correctional staff for remaining vigilant in stopping those trying to bring narcotics into our facilities.”