Two held for trial in alleged jail smuggling operation
Synthetic cannabinoids, suboxone intercepted
MIDDLETOWN » A Brookhaven woman and an inmate at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Concord have been held over for trial on charges of allegedly smuggling synthetic cannabinoids and suboxone into the county jail through the mail.
Cynthia Rees, 39, of the 5200 block of Hilltop Drive, was held on all 40 counts, including 16 counts each of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and contraband controlled substance, as well as eight counts of criminal use of a communication facility, according to electronic court records.
Inmate Amir Sanchez, 41, was also held on eight counts each of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, contraband controlled substance and criminal use of a communication facility, though 16 other counts were dismissed.
Darby Township Police Detective Sean Gallagher and Delaware County Detective Brian Alexander were assigned to investigate illegal contraband coming into the prison, according to affidavits of probable cause for Rees and Sanchez.
Between February and August, mail room staff at the jail intercepted eight packages containing an alleged controlled substance, according to the affidavits. One of these was mailed by Rees to Sanchez and contained a card, the affidavits say. The items were field tested and allegedly tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids.
The seven other intercepted parcels also field tested positive for synthetic cannabinoids and suboxone, a narcotic used to treat opioid addiction, according to the affidavits. These parcels were also allegedly linked to Rees’ phone number, email and signature, and were sent to various inmates at the jail.
The affidavit for Sanchez indicates he allegedly coordinated all the packages being delivered to the jail.
Both defendants remain in custody pending 10% of $150,000 bail. They are scheduled for formal arraignment Dec. 15 at the county courthouse in Media.
The case is one of three alleging smuggling at the jail in recent months. Shahonda Groves, 49, of Magnolia, N.J., a corrections officer at the prison, was charged in August with allegedly attempting to bring in buprenorphine and naloxone. She is scheduled for a pretrial conference before Court of Common Pleas Judge Mary Alice Brennan Tuesday.
Another corrections officer, Chloe Alexandria Vadel, 24, of the 600 block of West Park Lane in Philadelphia, is likewise charged with contraband, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia for allegedly attempting to smuggle suboxone and synthetic marijuana into the jail last month. Vadel is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan. 11 before Magisterial District Judge Wendy B. Roberts.