Olalla Woman Sentenced in Death of Clallam Bay Corrections Center Inmate

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Olalla Woman Sentenced to Over Four Years in Prison for Providing Drugs to Inmate

PORT ANGELES — In a recent development, Lauren N. Smith, a 40-year-old woman from Olalla, has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison after accepting a plea agreement. Smith was arrested on August 24 in connection with the death of a prisoner at Clallam Bay Corrections Center on August 13. The charges against her included controlled substances homicide, delivery of a controlled substance, and second-degree introducing contraband.

According to the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Task Force, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of controlled substance homicide, which is considered a Class B felony. The other two counts were dismissed during the court hearing held on Thursday at Clallam County Superior Court.

Controlled substance homicide, as defined by state law, refers to the act of unlawfully delivering a controlled substance that is subsequently used by the recipient and results in their death. Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Michele Devlin emphasized in court that Smith’s actions had interfered with the administration of justice in a profoundly serious manner.

Devlin revealed that Smith had traveled to the Clallam Bay Corrections Center on August 13 with the intention of smuggling drugs into the facility. She stated, “Drugs in the prison system are a big issue, and this is exactly why. After swallowing what Smith gave him, 32-year-old Yakima resident Kody L. Swearngin died.”

Devlin further expressed the gravity of the situation, saying, “He can’t be here to talk, and his next of kin didn’t want to talk. It’s just too hard. This just shows the serious nature of drugs and controlled substances.”

Despite the loss of life in this case, Smith has been cooperating with the state. As a result, the prosecution recommended the dismissal of the other two charges against her and proposed a prison sentence of 51 months, along with 12 months of community custody and standard conditions of release. It was also noted that the victim’s father did not wish to be present during the proceedings.

In her defense, attorney Alex Stranger stated that Smith had met Kody Swearngin, and he had requested that she bring controlled substances into the prison. Stranger added that Swearngin had even arranged for individuals to teach Smith how to carry out the act, using persuasion tactics such as telling her, “Don’t chicken out on me.” Stranger clarified that no gang was involved in the situation, and Smith had only complied due to the potential repercussions if she had refused.

Stranger expressed, “There was no gang involved, but if she hadn’t done it, there could have been repercussions. So, she did it. So she did. Obviously, it was wrong, but it’s not something she would have done without his request and cajoling.”

Smith, in a statement read by Stranger, expressed remorse for her actions. She apologized to Kody and admitted that August 13 was a day she would never forget. Smith claimed that had she known the consequences would be fatal, she would never have gone through with it. She acknowledged that both she and Kody were trapped in the puzzle of addiction and emphasized that she was not a bad person, but rather someone who made a terrible decision.

Clallam County Superior Court Judge Brent Basden addressed the tragic outcome of the case, stating, “Whatever role he played, he suffered the ultimate price. I appreciate the approach to this case. The defendant appears to accept responsibility.” Basden recognized the danger that drugs pose to inmates, corrections officers, and their families. He also considered the potential impact of drug dependency on Smith, suggesting the possibility of a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative program to aid in her rehabilitation.

The incident at Clallam Bay Corrections Center occurred on August 13 when staff called for emergency assistance for an inmate who had stopped breathing. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, the inmate, later identified as Kody Swearngin, was declared deceased. The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office initiated a death investigation, and evidence samples taken from Swearngin tested positive for methamphetamine.

Further investigation by the state Department of Corrections Investigation and Intelligence Unit revealed that Smith had visited Swearngin just hours before his death. Video footage showed Smith providing Swearngin with a small package, which he subsequently swallowed.

The sentencing of Lauren N. Smith serves as a reminder of the severe consequences that can result from drug-related activities within correctional facilities. The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating drug smuggling and the importance of implementing preventive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff..