Thursday, June 30, 2011 10:12 am

Smoking can hurt a person in many ways, as a DeKalb County man learned recently.

Chad Michael Owens, 186 Shady Lane, Smithville, was charged with introducing contraband into a penal institution on June 22 by Cannon County Sheriff’s Deputy Travis Turney.

Deputy Turney was in the booking area of the Cannon County Jail when he observed a large amount of smoke coming from a holding cell.

Upon speaking with the occupant of the cell, Owens, he admitted to smoking and stated he flushed the lighter and tobacco. Owens also stated he did not have anything on his person.

However, a search of Owens uncovered 17 grams of tobacco in a baggie, and a lighter.

Bond was set at $1,000. Initial court date is July 12.