U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer request for Jose Fredy Rodriguez Acuna, who was later taken into federal custody on drug charges.
A Wisconsin sheriff’s deputy became ill after being exposed to airborne powdered fentanyl and cocaine while handling money taken from a suspect arrested on drug charges, authorities said.
The incident occurred on March 31 as Jose Fredy Rodriguez Acuna, 25, of Portage, was being booked into jail, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Acuna had been arrested earlier that day during a traffic stop. While deputies were inventorying his belongings during booking, the exposure took place.
“While manipulating U.S. currency taken from the subject, she unfolded a bill which contained a powdery substance,” said Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner. “The powdery substance became airborne directly into the face of the deputy causing an exposure.”
The deputy suffered a “medical event” and required immediate medical attention, authorities said. Fellow deputies administered Narcan, an over-the-counter nasal spray or injection that can quickly reverse opioid overdoses.
She was transported to a hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Authorities later confirmed that the substance tested positive for both cocaine and fentanyl. Acuna was charged last week with possession of cocaine and possession of narcotic drugs.
He was held on a $1,000 cash bond before ICE placed a detainer request, after which he was taken into federal custody.
Officials noted that suspects often attempt to conceal drugs and related items among their belongings during the booking process.
“The danger doesn’t stop on the street, and our jail staff must be prepared for this danger,” Brandner said. “Our staff did a fantastic job identifying and responding to this life-threatening emergency. We are thankful that the deputy will be able to recover.”
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