The shoe was meant for Joseph Hale, who was standing trial and was eligible to receive clothing through the sheriff’s department, LMDC Director Jerry Collins said. The drugs were found Monday, according to officials.

Hale, Kevon Lawless and Michael Bullock were already facing separate murder charges. They and Breonna Kannamore now each face charges of drug trafficking, promoting contraband, conspiracy and organized crime. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The investigation began in early September and remains active. Collins said attempts to bring drugs into the facility are an ongoing challenge, though the use of a dress shoe was unusual. Jail staff intercept drugs daily, he said, and have reduced the amount that makes it inside.

Collins described the issue as one where public safety overlaps with public health, noting that some people in custody have substance use disorders. He said drugs can sell for about four times their street price inside the jail, creating an incentive for smuggling. He also warned that people may seek new ways to exploit the process for delivering items to inmates.