Most every prison in this country is awash in illegal narcotics. These are supposedly the most secure places around but the "powers that be" can't even manage to keep them drug free.
The WOD is an utter failure.
A lawyer was arrested Sunday at the Allegheny County Jail after guards found him carrying four ounces of suspected marijuana taped to his back as he was going to visit an inmate, authorities said.
Attorney Richard J. McCague of King Avenue, Highland Park, who works part-time for the Allegheny County Public Defender's Office, was charged with possession of marijuana and introduction of contraband into the jail, authorities said. The Allegheny County Bar Association Web site identifies McCague as a member and a 1989 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh law school.
Authorities said he works as an assistant public defender for the Allegheny County Public Defender's Office, but also maintains a private practice.
Allegheny County police said McCague was on his way to the cell of an inmate when he was searched by guards who found the suspected marijuana. The substance will be tested to determine if it is marijuana.
The inmate McCague was going to visit was identified as Germaine Cook, who is awaiting trial on charges of kidnapping a University of Pittsburgh student on Jan. 9 and forcing him to drive around for nine hours, using his credit card for purchases at various convenience stores.
According to authorities, McCague was passing through the metal detectors at the jail when the metal bands on his cigars tripped the machine.
When guards began to search McCague, they found a bag taped to his back underneath his belt. The bag was filled with what is believed to be cigarette tobacco.
However, four ounces of marijuana was found in a bag hidden inside the tobacco, authorities said.
According to authorities, McCague has visited Cook on several occasions in recent weeks.
McCague was awaiting arraignment in Night Court last night.
M. Susan Ruffner, Allegheny County's chief public defender, said she was not sure if McCague was working as a private attorney or a public defender when he went to the jail yesterday.
"In the past, when an assistant public defender has gotten into trouble, we have put them on administrative duties" until the matter is resolved, Ruffner said last night. "We will be taking a look at this tomorrow when we can get more details."
If a public defender is assigned to administrative work, he or she would not be responsible for going to the jail to visit clients, Ruffner said.
Michael Hasch can be reached at mhasch@tribweb.com or (412) 320-7820.
pure bliss for an intellectually weak character who looks externally for all the problems of man, which are created internally, by man. hooray for collectivization of rights...tryrants worship at your feet!
yabbadabbadoo...go back in your cave, neanderthal.
When guards began to search McCague, they found a bag taped to his back underneath his belt. The bag was filled with what is believed to be cigarette tobacco.
However, four ounces of marijuana was found in a bag hidden inside the tobacco, authorities said.
What a moron!
Oh, by the way stupid, the perp says to tell you, you're fired!
OFF WITH HIS HEAD!!!