By JESSICA POTILA

Journal Staff Writer

KINCHELOE — Police arrested a downstate Redford woman they say smuggled drugs and communications items into the Chippewa Correctional Facility while visiting an inmate.

Frances Ramirez-Huerta, 41, allegedly hid the illegal contraband in the waistband of her pants and covertly gave them to the inmate while in a visitation room.

Prison employees became suspicious after observing unusual behavior by the inmate during the visit, according to a press release issued by Michigan State Police Lt. Ben Eckola.

As a result, prison officials reviewed surveillance footage of Ramirez-Huerta and the inmate, which allegedly revealed that Ramirez-Huerta had smuggled items into the facility.

A subsequent search of the inmate revealed two bundles of contraband, including 140 suboxone strips, seven grams of marijuana flower in packaging, and two cell phone SIM cards, according to police.

Ramirez-Huerta has been charged with controlled substance-creation/delivery of an analogue, controlled substance-delivery/manufacture marijuana, controlled substance-maintaining a drug house, furnishing contraband to a prisoner in prison, and furnishing a cell phone to a prisoner.

She is being held in the Chippewa County Jail with a bond set at $1,000 with conditions. Her next court date is scheduled for Monday.

Jessica Potila can be reached at 906-228-2500. Her email address is jpotila@miningjournal.net.