Investigators said during a search for contraband in the mail at the prison, officials found a coloring book with a page colored with crayon and blotted with an orange substance that resembled watercolor paint.
That substance was actually something called a drug dissolved into paste, then spread to look like paint. The theory, police say, is once inside, inmates could lick it off the paper to get high.
"38 years in law enforcement, and I've done narcotic work, undercover narcotics myself, and I've never seen anything like this," /*Cape May County*/ Sheriff Gary Schaffer said.
A source tipped off correctional officers about the contraband and began a two month investigation.
By the second week of February, the tainted pictures started showing up inside the facility and were immediately sent out for testing.
The lab determined the substance to be /*Suboxone*/, which is used to wean addicts off of opiates, but taking it without a doctor's direction can be extremely dangerous.
"As a result of the officer's diligent law enforcement work, excellent training and communication, three inmates and two civilians have been charged and warrants issued. These officers are to be commended for outstanding work," Schaffer said.
Inmates Zachary Hirsh, Charles Markman, and Paul Scipione have been charged with conspiracy and attempt to commit a crime. Hirsh's bail was set at $50,000 while Markman and Scipione's bail was set at $15,000.
Debbie Longo of West Wildwood was arrested and released on $25,000 bail. She is charged with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance along with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance in a school zone.
There is an outstanding warrant issued for Katelyn Mosebach of Trevose, Pennsylvania. She is being charged with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance along with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance in a school zone. No bail has been set at this time.
If anyone has information on the location of Katelyn Mosebach or further information on this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Correctional Center at 609-465-1029 or by anonymously contacting crime stoppers at 609-465-2800 or by texting tips anonymously to the Sheriff Tip line by texting 847411 and starting your text with cmcso.
