PORTAGE, Wis. (WFRV) – A jail deputy in central Wisconsin was hospitalized after being exposed to fentanyl while booking a suspect on drug charges.
The incident happened on Tuesday, March 31, according to a release from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, when a man was arrested for drug charges during a traffic stop.
After the traffic stop, the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Jose Fredy Rodriguez Acuna of Portage, was brought to the Columbia County Jail for booking.
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During the booking process, a jail deputy was inventorying Rodriguez Acuna’s belongings. “While manipulating US Currency taken from the subject, she unfolded a bill which contained a powdery substance,” the release states. “The powdery substance became airborne directly into the face of the deputy, causing an exposure.”
Jose Fredy Rodriguez Acuna
The substance later tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine, deputies say.
The deputy got immediate care and was provided Narcan. She was then taken to a local hospital, where she is expected to make a full recovery.
On April 1st, Jose appeared in Columbia County Circuit Court, charged with:
- Possession of narcotic drugs
- Possession of cocaine
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DHS – ICE placed a detainer on Jose, and he was held on a $1,000 cash bond. On April 2, bond was posted, and Jose was released to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.
Our staff faces this type of danger every day. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has prioritized removing dangerous drugs from our streets. People arrested for drug offenses are frequently found to have concealed drugs and paraphernalia on their persons during the intake process. The danger doesn’t stop on the street, and our jail staff must be prepared for his danger. Our staff did a fantastic job identifying and responding to this life-threatening emergency. We are thankful that the deputy will be able to recover.
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office
No additional details were provided.
