Contraband smuggling attempt intercepted by deputies

Bellingham, WA. On January 14, deputies discovered information relating to inmates trying to smuggle contraband into the Whatcom County Jail. Deputies learned this through phone calls made from the jail.
 
On January 15 between about 7:45 pm and 9:30 pm, there were nine phone calls made from 32-year-old inmate Cody Wilson to an unknown person outside the facility. During these phone calls, details were discussed where and when the accomplice would meet Mr. Wilson’s connection to receive an item and how it would be smuggled into the jail.
 
At about 8:45 pm, deputies observed a vehicle matching the description in the phone calls park on Central St. by the Bellingham Public Library. A male walked from the vehicle to the area between the jail and the courthouse looked around, and walked back to the car. The car left the area traveling northbound on Grand Ave. Deputies stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as 42-year-old Steven Dodson.
 
Mr. Dodson admitted to having a suspended license (DWSL 3^rd) and was detained. A large straw with a loop made from rope attached to it was in the front seat of the vehicle. Mr. Dodson would later admit the straw was full of tobacco and intended to bring it to the inmates in outdoor recreation. Mr. Dodson also showed the call history on his cell phone which was consistent with the calls made by Mr. Wilson from the jail. Meanwhile, Corrections deputies found a “fishing line” in the outdoor recreation area. The line was made up of string with a pencil attached to the end as a weight/hook.
 
Mr. Dodson was booked into the Whatcom County Jail for Introducing Contraband 3rd Degree and DWLS 3rd Degree.
 
This case highlights the ongoing vigilance and efforts our corrections staff perform to limit the introduction of contraband into the jail and work center to maintain the safety and security of inmates and employees.

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