Mother, Daughter Charged Amid Probe Into Drug Dealing At Courthouse

BROCKTON (CBS) - Three court officers have been placed on leave and a mother and daughter are accused of delivering an article to an inmate and drug offenses as authorities investigate alleged drug distribution at a Brockton courthouse.

"Three court officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation. We are currently reviewing security practices in the Brockton Superior Court and will take any immediate action required," Jennifer Donahue, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Trial Courts, said in a statement.

Christine Lozanne, 54, of Norwood and her daughter, Tineisha Lozanne, 25, of Dorchester, are accused of hiding heroin in the handrail of an elevator in the Brockton courthouse for inmates from Plymouth County Correctional Facility who were being transported to pick up.

The elevator did not have a surveillance camera but when police heard about the scheme, a hidden camera was installed and the women were caught in the act, officials said.

A video shows Christine "reached into her chest area again, removed a package again and secured it in the elevator railing." An inmate later entered the elevator and "walked directly to the right front corner of the elevator, secured the package of narcotics and placed it in this pocket."

The two women were released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty during their arraignment in Brockton District Court Thursday, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said in a statement. Both are charged with distributing heroin, conspiracy to violate drug laws, delivering an article to an inmate and attempting to commit a crime, and delivering an article or drugs to a prisoner in a jail.

They are due back in court on Jan. 18.

It is unclear why the court officers are on leave. At this point, they are not facing any charges.

Cruz said the investigation into alleged drug distribution at Brockton Superior Courthouse is active and ongoing by State Police assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office, the Security Department of the Massachusetts Trial Court and the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department.