Frances Ramirez-Huerta

KINCHELOE — A Detroit area woman has been arrested and charged with smuggling drugs and communications items into a correctional facility.

According to a Michigan State Police (MSP) press release, troopers from the Sault Ste. Marie post arrested 41-year-old Frances Ramirez-Heurta of Redford, Michigan. She was arrested following a collaborative investigation by state police and Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC)staff.

According to the release, corrections personnel at the Chippewa Correction facility in Kincheloe, became suspicious on Jan. 11 after observing unusual behavior by a prisoner during a visitation. After reviewing surveillance footage, it was discovered that Ramirez-Huerta, who had been visiting an inmate in a MDOC visitation room, had smuggled items into the facility.

Surveillance footage further revealed Ramire-Huerta had concealed the items in the waistband of her pants, which were covertly given to the prisoner during the visit.

A search of the prisoner led to the discovery of two bundles of contraband.

The first bundle contained 140 suboxone strips. Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat dependence on opioids (drugs) such as heroin or morphine.

The second bundle contained seven grams of marijuana flower in packaging, as well as two SIM cards for cellular devices.

As a result of the investigation, Ramirez-Huerta has been arrested for the following offenses:

•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

•Furnishing a Cell Phone to a Prisoner

Ramirez-Huerta was lodged in the Chippewa County Jail. She has been arraigned in the 91st District Court where her bond was set at $1,000 with conditions. She is next scheduled to be in District Court Monday.

Police remind the public that Frances Ramirez-Heurta is considered innocent unless proven guilty.