Adams County Jail Nurse Arrested for Supplying Synthetic Cannabinoid-Soaked Paper to Inmate

Stephanie Bagwell, 52, a temporary nurse working through a contract medical provider at the Adams County Detention Facility, was taken into custody after detectives allege she "provided a synthetic cannabinoid-soaked paper" to an inmate inside a secured area of the jail. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office says deputies arrested Bagwell March 3 and immediately removed her access to secured areas of the facility.

The sheriff’s office opened its investigation March 3 after receiving a report that a nurse was bringing "Spice" into the detention facility, and the department posted a news item dated March 5 summarizing its findings. The release states Bagwell was working at the detention facility as a temporary nurse through a contract medical provider and that deputies "arrested Bagwell that night," referring to March 3.

Detectives say they have identified additional suspects in the probe, including the inmate involved. The Sheriff’s Office statement said, "Detectives also identified additional suspects during the course of the investigation, including the inmate involved. Due to the ongoing nature of the case, the identities of those individuals are not being released at this time." Investigators have not disclosed the inmate’s name, housing unit, or whether the inmate suffered any medical effects after the alleged exchange.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office told reporters the matter will be forwarded to prosecutors for review. The sheriff’s release says, "This case will be presented to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the filing of formal charges." Local outlets reporting the arrest note the sheriff’s office did not list any formal charges in the March 5 release; the agency says detectives will complete the investigation and submit evidence to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for potential prosecution.

Federal health guidance cited by local media underscores the risks of synthetic cannabinoids. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration warns, "Spice is one type of synthetic drug made to mimic THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Health effects associated with the drugs include tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, unconsciousness, tremors, seizures, vomiting, hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, pallor, numbness and tingling, the DEA says."

County records show this is not the first incident involving contracted medical staff at the facility. In July 2025 the sheriff’s office announced a different contracted nurse was arrested after controlled substances were found in secure areas and felony charges were subsequently filed by the district attorney. The current investigation remains active; the sheriff’s office says detectives will finish their work and submit the case to the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for review.