YOUNGSTOWN A correctional officer and a registered nurse accused of smuggling drugs and electronics into a private Youngstown prison pleaded not guilty to federal charges on Thursday.

Brenda Dixson and Jodi Johnson entered their pleas during arraignments before a U.S. Magistrate.

The judge ordered that their existing bonds continue, allowing the women to remain free pending trial. A jury trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 19. A pretrial conference is set for Jan. 13.

A federal grand jury indicted Dixson and Johnson on Tuesday on three felony counts, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and providing contraband in a prison.

Prosecutors allege the two women collaborated to bring prohibited items into the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center, a privately operated pris

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