Two Charged After Alleged Meth Delivery Attempt During Prison Visitation at FCI Hazelton

CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA - A South Carolina woman and an inmate at federal Corrections Institution (FCI) Hazelton have been indicted on prison contraband charges involving methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.

"Crimes inside our federal prisons will not be tolerated," said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. "Introducing contraband to our prisons not only perpetuates addiction during what should be rehabilitation, it also threatens the safety of those who work inside."

Shaquana Gary, 40, of Greenville, South Carolina, was indicted on one count of providing a prohibited object to a prison inmate. Robert Polk, 47, an inmate at FCI Hazelton, was indicted on one count of possession of a prohibited object by an inmate. According to the indictment, Gary attempted to deliver methamphetamine to Polk during visitation at the prison.

"Every attempt to introduce contraband into a Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility is a direct threat to the safety of our employees and the secure operation of our institutions," said BOP Director William K. Marshall III. "We will continue our strong partnerships with our law enforcement partners to detect, investigate, and prosecute those who seek to undermine our mission."

"Contraband inside a prison is not a victimless crime. It fuels violence, addiction, and danger for everyone, including the employees who work there. The FBI and our partners stand committed to protecting all Americans regardless of whether they're in public or behind a prison fence," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec.

Gary and Polk each face up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons investigated.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.