JENKS TWP., Pa. (EYT) — Two individuals are facing felony drug charges following the discovery of an inmate in possession of Suboxone at SCI Forest.
Court documents indicate the Marienville-based State Police filed criminal charges against 22-year-old Carolyne Negron Rivera, of Erie, and 22-year-old Elijah Estes Pacely, an inmate of SCI Forest, Marienville.
According to a criminal complaint, on December 19, 2017, SCI Forest Captain Carter provided Trooper Nicewonger, of the Marienville-based State Police, with information pertaining to an incident that occurred on December 15, 2017, in which a visitor to SCI Forest, Carolyne Negron Rivera, provided Suboxone to an inmate, Elijah Pacely.
Captain Carter informed Trooper Nicewonger that after reviewing the DIVAR video, it was determined that Pacely entered the visiting room and kissed his visitor, Rivera, on the mouth. The camera zoomed in, and Pacely is observed with a deformity in his cheek consistent with one or more objects in his mouth. Pacely was then handed a drink and he appeared to struggle to swallow. The deformity in his cheek was no longer visible after he swallowed.
The complaint notes that Rivera was Pacely’s only visitor that day.
Captain Carter went on to explain that due to the suspicion that Pacely was in possession of serious contraband, he was placed in the dry cell per DOC policy and procedures.
According to the complaint, around 11:15 a.m. on December 16, 2017, fecal matter supplied by Pacely was searched, and one green balloon containing 50 pieces of orange film paper bearing “N8” markings was found. The film paper was subsequently tested via a NARK II special opiates reagent test kit, which yielded positive results for suboxone.
Captain Carter also stated that around 2:10 p.m. on December 16, 2017, while Pacely was still under DOC dry cell protocol, three additional balloons were discovered in his fecal matter. The balloons were unpackaged and determined to contain 111 pieces of orange film paper which also tested positive for suboxone.
Based on the investigation, the following charges were filed against Rivera and Pacely on Monday, July 9, in Magisterial District Judge Daniel L. Miller’s office:
- Contraband/Controlled Substance, Felony 2
- Manufacture, Delivery, or Possession With Intent to Manufacture or Deliver, Felony
- Possession of Controlled Substance by Person Not Registered, Misdemeanor
Both defendants are awaiting preliminary hearings.
Pacely remains lodged in SCI Forest, serving 7 1/2 years to 15 years confinement on a first-degree felony count of robbery, a third-degree felony count of carrying a firearm without a license from a September 23, 2016 crime. He was also sentenced to five years probation on a first-degree misdemeanor count of unlawful restraint/serious bodily injury.
