Supplying contraband in the Harney County Jail earns you a 24 month sentence
By Mindy Gould on Monday, October 23rd, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
Harney County(Released by Harney County District Attorney)-A Harney County Jail Deputy began the investigation on February 4th, 2022. At the time, Pierce was in the jail facility. Pierce’s significant other, Sam Pierce, brought a child’s birthday card for inmate Pierce to sign. The jail deputy noted the card appeared to be tampered. Further inspection revealed methamphetamine secreted in the card.
On February 10, 2022 Sam Pierce provided Deputy Aaron Putnam a container of saline for inmate Dominic Pierce. Deputy Putnam inspected the container noting pry marks. Removing the nozzle, he discovered heroin secreted within the bottle.
Former Deputy Presley continued investigating and discovered communications between inmate Pierce and Sam Pierce regarding the desire and means to supply controlled substances into the Harney County Jail. Over the course of the communication between the Pierces, discussions were revealed corresponding with the dates and method of delivery detected by the deputies.
Harney County District Attorney Ryan Hughes prosecuted both Dominic and Sam Pierce. Given Dominic Pierce’s criminal history, she was subject to an Oregon Department of Corrections sentence. Ms. Pierce was placed on formal probation which was thereafter revoked. Per Oregon Sentencing Guidelines she was sentenced to 12 months prison for the first Supplying Contraband and a 12 months consecutive prison for the subsequent. Upon release, Pierce will be on 24 months post prison supervision.
