COVID Releasee Indicted for Smuggling Contraband into Jail

MIDDLETON, MASSACHUSETTS — A man released from the Essex House of Corrections due to Covid-19 has been indicted for attempting to smuggle contraband back into the jail, according to Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett.

Eric Jalbert, 31, was in pre-trial custody at the Essex House of Corrections in Middleton on fentanyl trafficking charges when he tested positive for Covid-19 in April.  As a result, his attorney filed a motion for his release, which was allowed on April 14 by Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman.  The defendant was ordered to remain in home confinement at his mother’s house in Beverly with a GPS monitor. 

Essex Assistant District Attorney John Brennan filed a motion to reconsider based on the fact that the defendant’s mother lived in an apartment complex for elderly and disabled persons and had failed to comply with the conditions of his release.  Judge McCarthy-Neyman allowed the Commonwealth’s motion and ordered Jalbert back to jail on April 21st.

When Jalbert reported to the Middleton jail, it was discovered that he had 15 Suboxone strips, marijuana and tobacco hidden in a body cavity.

Yesterday, the Essex Grand Jury indicted him for 2 counts of introduction of contraband into a jail with intent to distribute and 1 count of possession of Class B with intent to distribute.  An arraignment date has not been scheduled.

“Mr. Jalbert risked the safety of others when he was released while testing positive for COVID and sent to live with a vulnerable population. His flagrant disregard for the safety of others continued during his short stay on the outside, and again when he tried to smuggle in contraband to our facilities,” Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger said. “I want to thank my staff and the District Attorney’s office for their work to ensure Mr. Jalbert would face serious charges for his utter indifference of the law.”

On July 13th, Jalbert pleaded guilty to possession of Class A with intent to distribute.  He was sentenced to 2 to 3 years in state prison.

The defendant is presumed innocent of the conduct alleged in the indictments until proven guilty.