Handcuff key found in prisoner
BENTON - A handcuff key was found inside a prisoner
being held in the Scott County Jail in connection with
last week's Super D Drug Store robbery in Sikeston.
Scott County Sheriff Bill Ferrell explained that
following the death of his brother, Ernest L. Fenton
in the Scott County jail, Troy L. Fenton was
transported to an area hospital. The Fentons were
charged in the robbery at Super D.
During a preliminary investigation of the incident,
Ferrell said information was received that Troy Fenton
may have concealed drugs and a handcuff key in his
rectal area. As a precautionary measure, X-rays were
taken and revealed a handcuff key inside Fenton's
body.
Hospital personnel were able to retrieve the key and
turn it over to investigators. No drugs were located.
"Troy Fenton told investigators he was glad the key
was located because it probably would have caused
someone else to get hurt," Ferrell said. Fenton could
be charged with a felony of introducing contraband
into a county jail, however the sheriff said he does
not plan to ask the prosecutor to do so.
According to the sheriff, this method of concealing
contraband has and always will be a problem at the
Scott County Jail. Ferrell said his jail staff does
their best to see that contraband is not introduced in
to the jail.
A coroner's inquest to examine the death of Ernest
Fenton is expected to be conducted in November once
toxicology reports are completed, authorities said. An
autopsy was completed in Farmington on the body with
no preliminary findings announced.