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Nurse At Zephyrhills Prison Faces Drug Charges

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 23, 2008

Updated: 07/23/2008 04:50 pm

Oberdella Melvin

TAMPA - A nurse at the Zephyrhills Correctional Institution was arrested early this morning on charges of armed trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia, Tampa police say.

Oberdella Melvin, 46, was arrested at 12:25 a.m. A search warrant was executed at her home, 1105 Facet View Way in Valrico.

State Department of Corrections spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said there is no indication that Melvin brought illegal drugs into Zephyrhills Correctional Institution.

"We will certainly follow up and take action, if necessary, to ensure the security of our prisons," she said.

Melvin has been fired, Plessinger said.

Asked whether the department was concerned whether Melvin had conspired with anyone in the prison, Plessinger said, "We want to make sure she was not conducting illegal activity in our facility. It doesn't appear she was, but we want to check it out."

An affidavit describes what police found in Melvin's home:

Police recovered 103 grams of crack cocaine, 191 grams of powdered cocaine and a .38-caliber revolver. In addition to the drugs and the gun, police recovered a device to package cocaine, mixing bowls, digital scales, baggies and other items.

Officers found the gun under her pillow.

Melvin, a senior licensed practical nurse, was hired by the corrections department in March 2002, Plessinger said.

She received a written reprimand March 21, 2006 for negligence, Plessinger said, but details on that reprimand weren't immediately available.

Melvin lives with Gary Van Oliver, 35, who was also arrested. He was charged with trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to traffic in cocaine, racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.

Oliver was arrested 40 minutes before Melvin.

Both are being held at the Orient Road Jail, according to jail records. No bail has been set.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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