Man indicted for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs into jail
MIDDLETON, Mass. (AP) — A man released from a Massachusetts jail after testing positive for the coronavirus has been indicted for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs back inside the facility, authorities said.
Eric Jalbert, 31, was indicted by an Essex County grand jury for allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband into the county jail, the district attorney’s office announced on Thursday.
Jalbert was awaiting trial on fentanyl trafficking charges when he tested positive for COVID-19 in April, according to authorities.
His attorney filed a motion for his release, which a judge granted April 14 with the condition that he stay under home confinement at his mother's Beverly home.
But Jalbert allegely failed to comply with the conditions of his release, and was ordered back to jail.
When Jalbert reported to the Middleton jail, officers found 15 Suboxone strips, marijuana and tobacco hidden in a body cavity, the district attorney's office said.
It was unclear if he has an attorney.
He pleaded guilty to the original charges earlier in July and in was sentenced to up to three years in state prison.