Franklin Connection - Serving Franklin County, WA

PASCO – An elderly local woman has been released from jail following her arrest on charges related to allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs into the Franklin County Jail.

Rosa Rodriguez Castillo, 75, of Pasco, was arrested Tuesday, Jan. 26, booked into the Franklin County Jail, and then released on her personal recognizance on Wednesday, Jan. 27.

Castillo is facing possible charges of introduction of contraband into a corrections facility and possession of a legend drug with intent to distribute.

According to a press release from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Castillo was arrested after a months-long investigation that began in July 2020.

The investigation began when jail staff contacted detectives after receiving suspicious bars of soap through the medical unit, the press release said. Upon further inspection, investigators determined some of the soap had been hollowed out and narcotic inserted.

Castillo had sent the soap to an inmate; authorities have yet to release the name of the intended recipient.

“The Sheriff’s Office will continue to diligently and aggressively investigate and arrest individuals who attempt to jeopardize the safety and security of our jail staff and inmates,” the press release said.