Matthew Bays

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Ten inmates in the Clark County Jail are facing brand new charges after authorities say they've foiled an elaborate plan to distribute drugs throughout the facility.

An eleventh suspect is on the loose.

According to a news release from the Clark County Sheriff's Office, Matthew Bays, 41, was the inmates' contact on the outside.

"He's preying on the weak for his own personal gain," said Col. Scotty Maples with the Clark County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators say Bays coordinated with inmates' family members to pick up drugs from their homes and hide them in the jail lobby where inmates cleaned. The operation used construction like code words.

"They were posing almost like they were foremen on job sites delivering windows and paint," Maples said. "We put together the code of job site was where they were going to drop the drugs, windows was methamphetamine, paint was different types of prescription pills."

The inmates who were allegedly involved include: 28-year-old Logan Rudolph; 31-year-old Ryan Bell; 36-year-old Christopher Woosley; 30-year-old Jarad Anderson; 23-year-old Devin Dunn; 30-year-old Shane Summers; 32-year-old Adam Kime; 30-year-old Keith Daugherty; 26-year-old Zachary Beyerle; and 37-year-old Christopher Butler.

Maples said he picked up on the code reviewing messages in the computer system inmates use. The code words used in drop-offs were red and blue, meaning those drugs would be in a trash can by either the Coke or Pepsi vending machine in the jail lobby.

The jail changed procedures and no longer allows inmate workers to clean in the lobby. 

"We will continue to proactively investigate people who attempt to bring drugs into our facility," Sheriff Jamey Noel said in a statement. "The time and energy these offenders use to prey on the addicted for their own personal gain is indescribable and despicable."

The A&E reality series "60 Days In" exposed rampant drug use behind bars at the Clark County Jail. Just last week, a mother was arrested and accused of trying to mail drugs to the jail. Inmate Logan Rudolph is charged in both cases. Officer said he was assigned to chaplain services working directly with those battling addiction.

"So I'm happy we placed charges on Mr. Rudolph because he was obviously preying on people for his own benefit," Maples said. 

All 10 inmates now face new charges related to drug trafficking. Jail leaders say it's a significant dent in jail drug trade and hope it sends a message.

Suspects in Nov. 2019 plot to distribute drugs in Clark County Jail

"When you have people that are being opportunistic to try to bring drugs into the facility to prey on the weak we're going to put you in jail," Maples said. "We're going to make it a priority to put you on the news and we're going to continue to investigate you."

Police are still looking for Bays, and have a warrant for his arrest. Anyone with any information on his whereabouts should call the Clark County Sheriff's Office tip line at (812)-280-2276.

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