Joshua Sinclair Owens Faces Charges for $30K Jail Scheme
Joshua Sinclair Owens, 35, has been charged in connection with an alleged money laundering operation in which he made nearly $30,000 from selling drug-laced paper to fellow inmates in the Harris County Jail. Owens, who was incarcerated in June 2023 after being charged with murder, reportedly used the proceeds from his illegal business to fund his commissary account with the help of relatives.
According to prosecutors, Owens’ cousin, Nathanael Campbell, and his step-sister, Latvia Armiss Bailey, assisted him by transferring money to a Cash App account. This money was subsequently funneled into Owens’ commissary account, which was later seized by investigators as part of a larger money laundering probe.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg highlighted that this case marked the first time a prisoner’s commissary account had been seized during a criminal investigation, calling the tactic “historic.” The DA explained that commissary accounts are typically used for inmate necessities, and the $30,000 that passed through Owens’ account raised concerns of illicit activities.
Owens now faces charges for possession of a controlled substance within a correctional facility, as well as for engaging in organized criminal activity. His relatives, Campbell and Bailey, are also charged with participating in the organized criminal operation.
The scheme was uncovered when investigators tapped into Owens’ phone calls with his relatives. A search of Owens’ cell in March 2024 revealed 10 sheets of paper soaked in synthetic marijuana. Despite the Harris County Sheriff’s Office implementing more stringent screening measures to prevent drug-laced paper from entering the jail, investigators are still uncertain how Owens obtained the paper.
Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Smith stated that the investigation is ongoing and more charges are likely to be filed as new evidence is uncovered. The sheriff’s office has made efforts to eliminate opportunities for prisoners to profit from criminal activities while incarcerated, but authorities continue to refine their security procedures.
In response to the case, DA Ogg suggested implementing a cap on commissary funds to prevent future misuse, although the sheriff’s office has yet to comment on this proposal. As the investigation progresses, the authorities are committed to uncovering the full scope of Owens’ operation and those involved.