Five people have been indicted for allegedly conspiring to smuggle synthetic drugs into the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction, where the substances were sold to inmates. Investigators say the scheme relied on jail librarian Ginger Hook, 46, of New Bedford, accused of sneaking in K2-soaked papers disguised as legal documents.

Sheriff Paul Heroux called it “perhaps the largest alleged employee drug bust” in the jail’s history. The investigation, dubbed Operation Fish Hook, revealed Hook allegedly smuggled thousands of dollars’ worth of K2 at least three times. She was the only librarian at the time, responsible for delivering books directly to inmates.

Her alleged co-conspirators include inmate Joseph “JD” Housley, 25, former inmates Brandin Barbosa-Mayo, 31, and Bestlee Vazquez, 33, and Axel Hazard, 23, of Rhode Island. Hook began working at the jail in early 2024 and resigned that July after being confronted by investigators. Her husband, a corrections officer, also resigned but was not implicated.

A March 2025 investigation led to the discovery of a folder marked “Legal Work” on Hook’s desk containing 13 sheets of K2-infused paper valued at $65,000 inside the jail. Synthetic marijuana is often sprayed on paper and smoked, producing dangerous effects such as seizures and hallucinations.

Despite strict screening and K9 units, smuggling remains an issue in Massachusetts jails. Officials say it’s a “cat and mouse” game, with recent attempts involving tossed packages and drug-laced kites.

Hook faces two felonies—delivering drugs to a prisoner and conspiracy—each carrying up to five years in prison. Her four co-defendants face conspiracy charges. The five were indicted on Oct. 20 and are due back in Fall River District Court next month.

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