Gulfport Man, Two Others, OD on Drugs He Allegedly Brought to Pinellas County Jail

Three inmates of the Pinellas County Jail landed in the hospital after overdosing on drugs allegedly brought into the facility by one of their number.

Robert Gilner was booked into jail early last week for driving under the influence and driving on a suspended or revoked license. Deputies say he acquired a white, powdery substance while in custody and shared portions of it with Jason Michael Kokotek and Jason Kyle Sandy.

Kokotec, a 30-year-old from St. Petersburg, who was booked into jail on one count of felon in possession of a firearm and eight counts of drug possession, and Sandy, a 30-year-old serving time for dealing in stolen property and various parole violations, began to show signs of drug overdose in the jail’s C barracks Thursday evening. Jail personnel provided aid until paramedics arrived and transported the inmates to an outside hospital.

The three men were listed in fair condition shortly after their arrival. Deputies say that they are all expected to fully recover.

Authorities say that Gilner claimed ownership of the powder. He will be facing an additional charge of introducing contraband into a detention facility. No bond had been set at the time of this writing.

The Law Offices of Bjorn Brunvand have been representing people charged with capital murder, felony drug charges, drunk driving, government fraud, and white-collar crimes for over a quarter century. Contact our office today to discuss your Tampa Bay-area state or federal charges.