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Medical assistant on the run after attempting to smuggle drugs into Fulton County Jail, sheriff says
A medical assistant accused of trying to smuggle drugs into the Fulton County Jail is on the run. Fulton County officials say Tequera Ford faces several felony charges including possession with intent to distribute.
ATLANTA - Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat credits a captain at the jail for catching 24-year-old TeQuera Ford in the act, after the contract nurse reportedly showed up to work smelling like marijuana.
"Captain Strozier, she smelled a hint of marijuana," Sheriff Labat told FOX 5's Deidra Dukes. "She asked and actually the young lady said she had smoked prior to coming to work which is against our rules and regulations. We began to search her bag as normal and she grabbed her keys and ran, walked through the parking lot, jumped in her car and left."
Ford fled in a black Nissan Altima, Tennessee tag 75A-R44.
Deputies reportedly discovered 6.8 ounces of marijuana, 20 grams of crack cocaine, 200 cigarettes and loose tobacco.
Sheriff Labat said investigators also reviewed a recorded phone call between the suspect and other individuals in which it appeared Ford discussed how she would get the drugs into the jail.
"There is evidence that proves, via phone call, that this may not be the only occasion of her doing this," the sheriff said
"In this situation there is some intel, that the young lady tried to disguise a lot of the smell in wrapped coffee and cellophane."
Ford had worked at the jail for a few months. The Sheriff said his investigators are following strong leads in the case.
"We screen all of our contract employees," said Sheriff Labat. "This just happened to be a situation unfortunately where I believe the young lady had been influenced by some internal contact, and. for us it is unfortunate for us to lose a good nurse but it is time for her to turn herself in."
Warrants were issued for Ford. Anyone who sees Ford is asked to call 911.