JACKSON – Two family members visiting an inmate here Thursday wound-up on the other side of the bars.

Courtney Renee Carpenter, 19, and her 35-year-old uncle, Chad Everett Carpenter, both of Pleasant Hill, were arrested and each charged with providing drugs and tobacco to an inmate at the Northampton County Detention Center in Jackson. They were each given a $5,000 bond and a court date of April 7.

According to NCSO Captain Chuck Hasty, the two were at the Detention Center visiting the incarcerated boyfriend of Courtney Carpenter.

Hasty said the inmate never came in possession of the contraband. Visitors to the Detention Center are separated by a glass window from the inmate. There is no opening in the glass in which to pass any type of material.

“The Detention Center staff performed a sweep of the area and found the contraband hidden,” Hasty said.

NCSO Major Milton Drew, the Chief Officer at the Detention Center, reported the incident to NCSO Investigator Altessie Taylor and they began the investigation into the matter, leading to the arrest of the uncle and niece.

Hasty said additional charges are pending.

“While we welcome visitors to the Detention Center, we do require them to follow the rules and regulations, which prohibits passing along tobacco, drugs or any type of contraband,” said Northampton Sheriff Jack Smith. “Those violating the regulations will be punished to the extent the law allows.”