BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
DEBORD, Ky. — A Wichita, Kansas, woman was arrested Aug. 22 after Kentucky State Police said she smuggled suspected THC wax into the federal prison in Debord and concealed it beneath food she gave to an inmate.
Brenda Lemus, 26, was arrested on Federal Drive on charges of first-degree promoting contraband, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to the arrest citation, staff at the United States Penitentiary Big Sandy contacted KSP Post 9 after becoming suspicious that Lemus had introduced contraband into the facility for a male inmate she was visiting.
Prison staff reportedly observed Lemus on video retrieving a white foam food tray and preparing food for the inmate. Police said Lemus handed the tray to the inmate, who found a small white baggie concealed beneath potato chips, placed it in his mouth and swallowed it.
Staff immediately placed the inmate in a dry cell for observation and detained Lemus, according to the citation.
KSP Troopers T. Fletcher and Jonathan Rouse responded to the facility. Police said Lemus initially requested an attorney after being advised of her Miranda rights, and questioning stopped.
According to the citation, Lemus later reinitiated communication with police and said she wanted to speak to them without an attorney present.
Lemus allegedly told police she had placed suspected THC marijuana wax inside a white balloon and concealed it inside her vagina before entering the facility. After passing through the facility search, she allegedly went to a restroom, retrieved the balloon and hid it in the sleeve of her sweater.
Police said Lemus admitted concealing the suspected THC wax beneath the inmate’s food and giving him the tray.
During a search of Lemus’ vehicle on prison property, officers reportedly found suspected marijuana, several empty small white balloons and a small spoon-like device believed to have been used to place substances inside the balloons.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.