Multiple Overdoses And One Death At House Of Corrections Prompts Drug Sweep

MANCHESTER, NH - Manchester fire and AMR ambulance have responded to the Hillsborough County House of Corrections multiple times in the last 48 hours.

Several dispatches were for possible overdoses and one for a cardiac arrest. On Monday four females were transported to local hospitals for what was described as possible overdoses.

Monday morning Superintendent Joseph Costanzo announced a 40-year-old woman had died at the jail.

Hillsborough County Department of Corrections Officers and Medical staff responded to a medical emergency within the facility. Staff performed life-saving measures however, Jessica Cook, 40, with no known home address, Cook was later pronounced deceased. After a preliminary review of the facts of this incident, the death is not deemed suspicious in nature according to Costanzo.

In a press release Monday afternoon Costanzo said the Hillsborough County Department of Corrections conducted targeted contraband sweeps following indications that drugs had been illegally smuggled into the facility. Today’s sweeps were an immediate response to suspected overdose incidents involving 4 to 5 inmates in the female housing unit.

Superintendent Joseph Costanzo ordered the rapid deployment of the facility canine and correctional staff to search and sweep targeted areas in an effort to ensure the safety of inmates. Costanzo stated: “As the investigation continues, I would like to thank Corrections and Medical staff, for their swift and rapid response in identifying individuals in need of immediate assistance. I also want to acknowledge the efforts of the department’s canine unit.”

Costanzo also thanked the Manchester Police Department for providing insight on the deadly drugs currently being seen in the community and cautioned those incarcerated against the use of those drugs, noting his concern with saving lives in the facility. The investigation is ongoing.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news