BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating information from two separate sources that controlled substances were being smuggled into the Barton County Jail have made arrests, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
After detectives launched an investigation, they placed a civilian employee under surveillance. It appears the inmates involved were inmate workers or “trustees." Inmate workers have been allowed to assist with various functions around the jail and in the community, including picking up groceries at local businesses for the jail. An inmate worker was allowed to accompany the jail cook on these errands.
During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that the employee and the inmate worker had stopped at a residence in the 500 block of Odell in Great Bend while going to get groceries. The inmate exited the vehicle and contacted a person at the residence.
The inmate worker was identified as Hernan Montez, 30 of Great Bend. He was being held on a contempt of court charge, according to Bellendir. At that point, detectives placed the residence on Odell Street under surveillance.
When the trustee and the employee returned to the jail, the trustee was searched and suspected methamphetamine was discovered. Detectives began the process of obtaining a search warrant for the address on Odell.
While waiting for a search warrant, a vehicle left the residence, and a traffic stop was conducted. During the stop, the suspect became combative, striking two officers and fled on foot from a location near 6th Street and Odell.
The suspect, identified as Reynaldo Martinez, 35, Great Bend, ran back into the house that was under surveillance. Deputies pursued Martinez inside and after a short struggle he was taken into custody. After the search warrant was obtained for drugs for the same residence, deputies found more than a pound of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of approximately $30,000.
During the investigation, detectives obtained information that the civilian employee, Tammy Batt, 45 of Russell, had been involved in an intimate relationship with one of the prisoners.
Tammy Batt was arrested on requested charges of traffic in contraband in a correctional institution and unlawful sexual relations. Batt was arrested and booked. She has since posted a $50,000 bond.
Reynaldo Martinez was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, no drug tax stamp, two counts battery of a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest and trafficking contraband in a correctional institution. Bond is set at $300,000.
Hernan Montez was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and trafficking in contraband in a correctional institution. Bond is set at $50,000.
Two shifts of officers were called in to assist with the operations. This included a complete search of the jail. Based on the findings, it is believed none of the drugs reached general population. It appears the incident was confined to the inmate worker section of the jail, according to Bellendir.