Man arrested attempting to smuggle contraband into prison
By Dan Thesman on Friday, June 14th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Casey J.L Brender, 35, of Tonasket was arrested June 6 for attempting to introduce contraband at the Washington State Penitentiary.
Investigators with the Washington State Penitentiary Intelligence and Investigations Unit (IIU) had information that Brender, who had recently been released from the penitentiary, may attempt to deliver drugs to the prison grounds, according to Walla Walla Police Department Sgt. Nick Loudermilk.
Loudermilk said the IIU partnered with members of the Walla Walla Regional Drug and Gang Task Force and the WWPD Career Criminal Apprehension Team on the investigation.
A surveillance operation was set up and on June 6, just after 1 a.m., detectives intercepted Brender attempting to make the drop just outside the prison grounds.
Brender was in possession of 10 ounces of methamphetamine and approximately 150 strips of suboxone. He was booked into the Walla Walla County Jail on two counts of possession with the intent to deliver.
Washington State Department of Corrections Media Relations Manager Tobby Hatley said Brender was being supervised in the Okanogan County Community Corrections program at the time of his arrest and did not have permission to be in Walla Walla.
Mugshot of Casey Brender via Washington State Department of Corrections
