Retired Houston Attorney, Ronald Lewis Accused of Fatally Poisoning Inmates with Drug-Infused Documents, Say Authorities

A 77-year-old retired attorney from the Houston area, Ronald Lewis, finds himself on the wrong side of the law, accused of delivering papers laced with drugs to the Harris County Jail, allegedly leading to the deaths of two inmates, as per Harris County authorities. 

Facing two charges related to prohibited substances in a correctional facility, Lewis was found in possession of 11 sheets of paper during his arrest at the Harris County Jail on Friday, November 17. 

The Texas Rangers are currently testing these papers to confirm the presence of narcotics.

Court documents reveal that inmates paid Lewis between $200 to $500 to bring in the laced papers, often disguised as legal mail or other legal documents. 

The substances have been identified as methoxy dimethyl oxobutane. During an investigation covering the period from July 2023 to November 2023, it was estimated that approximately 154 sheets of paper believed to be laced with narcotics were confiscated from Lewis, who visited 14 inmates.

The relationship between Lewis and the inmates remains unclear, according to a prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. 

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez established a task force in March to combat crime and narcotics within the jail, responding to criticism over an uptick in jail deaths. 

The jail has implemented increased security measures, including the addition of three drug-sniffing dogs and stricter protocols for mail.

In 2022, 27 inmates reportedly died, and as of now in 2023, 19 have died, according to Harris County authorities. Lewis posted a $7,500 bond on Saturday, with conditions prohibiting him from visiting anyone at the jail during the pending case.

[SOURCE]