T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Felicia M. Castorani appears before Judge T. Shawn Hervey on Tuesday in Harrison County Common Pleas Court.

CADIZ — A woman involved in one of the largest methamphetamine busts in Harrison County history appeared for a pre-trial hearing in common pleas court Tuesday afternoon.

Felicia M. Castorani, 50, of Scio appeared before Judge T. Shawn Hervey to face felony charges of aggravated possession of drugs and trafficking. Castorani was arrested in December after a federal operation was conducted and led to drugs being discovered inside a baby doll.

Harrison County Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Bruzzese said the sting operation was planned in response to information that indicated drugs were being transported in the mail to Harrison County from a California address. After surveillance was performed, officers arrested the woman as she was leaving the Scio Post Office. Inside a package found in her possession, law enforcement discovered 15.5 grams of methamphetamine hidden inside a doll.

During Tuesday’s hearing, officers pushed Castorani in a wheelchair into the courtroom. Defense attorney Paul Kelley requested a bond reduction due to an incident that occurred while the defendant was being held at the Jefferson County Jail.

“Since we were here the last time, Mrs. Castorani has had some problems while incarcerated–a broken leg,” Hervey said, explaining Castorani suffered a broken leg as a result of an altercation with a fellow inmate.

“She spent close to five hours in pain. … She also had to wait several days before she was able to get into surgery. She ultimately was able to, however she was fitted with a metal brace, screws and a metal plate in her leg,” Kelley said.

Kelley said Castorani has not received adequate treatment for her leg while incarcerated and would be better served if she were released. The defense also stated her personal belongings were taken while she was receiving treatment for her broken extremity.

“While she was being treated medically her (Castorani’s) toiletries, clothes and food had been stolen from her jail cell. She went back to having almost nothing left,” he said.

Kelley requested Castorani be released and instead be put subject to an electric home ankle monitor to reduce the defendant’s “suffering.”

The prosecutor disagreed and objected to the request. Bruzzese said that due to the strength of the evidence in the case, in conjunction with the likelihood of a prison sentence being imposed upon conviction, that reducing the bond is unnecessary.

“We feel strongly about the evidence in this case. She was brought into custody a part of a federal investigation,” he said.

Based upon Castorani’s past prison terms and criminal record, Bruzzese said he did not agree with the bond reduction.

“We think amending the bond in any manner at this point is not necessary. We do understand, obviously, that she was injured. She was given medical treatment that she needed and was taken back into custody, and I’m sure she is not altogether comfortable but seems to be healthy and alert and getting the care she needs,” he said.

Prior to Hervey making a decision, Castorani asked to address the court.

“They have me locked in a room by myself. I’ve already fallen while going to the restroom. I haven’t had a shower since last Monday, and it’s pretty bad and dirty where I’m at. I would never, ever leave my family,” she said.

Due to the defendant’s medical condition, the judge said he is willing to review the case and take the matter under advisement. A decision will be made within the next few days, he said.

Castorani is being held in lieu of $150,000 bond at the Jefferson County Jail.