Full Notification

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance to find Debra Pennington, 56 years old, a fugitive wanted on charges of Dealing in a Controlled Substance (a Level 2 Felony), Trafficking with Inmate (a Level 5 Felony), and Possession of Paraphernalia (an A Misdemeanor). 

Investigators believe that Pennington produced synthetic narcotics to be trafficked into Marion County Jail 2, a privately contracted jail, via a paper notebook and candy. Upon serving a search warrant at her home, Pennington had left and has not been seen since. However, MCSO investigators have reason to believe she is still in Indianapolis, and trying to leave the area this evening.

Two other individuals have been charged in connection to the jail trafficking scheme. Eric Settles, 39 years old, a Jail 2 inmate, and the alleged intended recipient of the synthetic drugs, has been charged with Conspiracy to Deal in a Controlled Substance (a Level 2 Felony) and Possession of a Controlled Substance (a Level 6 Felony). Travis Armes, 32 years old, formerly a food service contract employee assigned to Jail 2, has been charged with Dealing in a Controlled Substance (a Level 2 Felony) and Trafficking with an Inmate (a Level 5 Felony).

Last week, the MCSO announced new protocols to prevent the trafficking of dangerous drugs, including the synthetic drugs involved in this trafficking scheme, into the Marion County Jail via “legal mail”. 

The MCSO encourages any person with knowledge of jail trafficking schemes or Debra Pennington’s whereabouts to contact the Criminal Division at 317-327-3706 or CrimeStoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477).

###