Rope, Roof Hole Used to Bring Drugs into Jail

Using a nylon rope and a roof drain hole, two inmates, with help from a man on the outside, smuggled drugs, cigarettes and other items into the Pinellas County Jail.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Detention Investigations Unit looked into a tip from other inmates about the scheme earlier this week.

Mark Matthew Keating, who also is known as "Red," and Philip William Henderson would lower the rope from the sixth floor recreation yard to Eric Scott Snook, who was waiting on the ground, according to investigators.

There was a failed attempt Monday, officials said.

Investigators found a grocery-size bag hanging from the fourth floor of the jail around 9 p.m. Monday, July 29. Inside was about 29 grams of marijuana — which is valued at $1,500 in jail — tobacco products, lighters and other items, according to investigators.

A six-foot-tall chain link fence was built in the courtyard area, and other measures to deter this from happening again are also being discussed, officials said.

The three men were charged with introduction of contraband into a county detention facility.

Keating, 45, was in jail charged with grand theft, armed bank robbery and two counts of violation of probation.

Henderson, 39, was in jail charged with grand theft and two counts of petit theft.