Cape May County Inmate Charged With Drug Possession

Erika Andrews, an inmate at the Cape May County Correction Center, was charged with possession of 48 bags of heroin, possession of a hypodermic needle, and possession of suboxone. In addition, she was charged with several institutional charges, including possession of tobacco according to Cape May County Sheriff, Gary Schaffer.

The contraband turned up while examining Andrews’ cell after a corrections officer sent the inmate to the medical wing of the jail to be evaluated for bizarre behavior. Warden Donald J. Lombardo reported that the investigation by the Internal Affairs Unit revealed the drugs were allegedly smuggled and concealed in a condom in the body cavity of the inmate.

“The officers were observant and diligent in their work. They have a difficult job of maintaining safety and security, while balancing the rights of the inmates. I want to once again commend all the officers involved for an outstanding job,” Schaffer said.

Andrews was in jail pending transport to state prison.

“This is a constant concern in county correctional facilities,” Lombardo noted. “At this time, only newly admitted jail detainees who are charged with crimes or indictable offenses and are introduced into the general population can be strip searched. This opens the door for the introduction of contraband into the institution.”