Former employee at Dartmouth jail indicted in alleged drug smuggling scheme

A former employee at the Bristol County jail in Dartmouth was indicted as part of an alleged drug smuggling scheme at the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction.

Ginger Hook, 46, of New Bedford, resigned from her position at the jail in July “when confronted about her alleged activity” Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux said. She worked there for 18 months.

Four associates were also indicted: Joseph Housley, 25, of Rehoboth, Brandin Barbosa-Mayo, 31, of New Bedford, Bestlee Vasquez, 33, of Somerset, and Axel Hazard, 23, of Rhode Island.

An investigation by the sheriff’s office began in March of this year “into a drug distribution ring that was responsible for the introduction of synthetic marijuana (commonly referred to as K-2 or ‘spice’), being smuggled into the facility,” officia