YOUNGSTOWN A correctional officer and a registered nurse accused of smuggling drugs and electronics into a private Youngstown prison pleaded not guilty to federal charges on Thursday.

Brenda Dixson and Jodi Johnson entered their pleas during arraignments before a U.S. Magistrate.

The judge ordered that their existing bonds continue, allowing the women to remain free pending trial. A jury trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 19. A pretrial conference is set for Jan. 13.

A federal grand jury indicted Dixson and Johnson on Tuesday on three felony counts, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and providing contraband in a prison.

Prosecutors allege the two women collaborated to bring prohibited items into the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center, a privately operated prison in Youngstown. The indictment cites the possession and distribution of marijuana, hashish, and codeine. Authorities also accuse the pair of attempting to provide inmates with tobacco, vape cartridges, and cellphone chargers.

The charges follow an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration that began in October after officials received a complaint about Johnson.

According to court documents, agents conducted surveillance on the facility on Oct. 18. Investigators say they saw Johnson, a nurse, enter the staff screening building with food boxes. Agents allege that Dixson, the correctional officer on duty, scanned the items and performed a pat-down search but failed to report the contraband.

When agents intervened and searched the boxes, they reported finding various narcotics and USB charging devices.

Following her arrest, investigators say Johnson admitted to smuggling narcotics into the facility since February to earn money. She allegedly told agents that she coordinated with Dixson to bypass security checkpoints.

Both defendants are required to file any pretrial motions by Dec. 22.