Prison officer arrested for alleged drugs at MCI-Shirley

On By Pranco

MILFORD – A prison corrections officer was arrested Saturday for allegedly bringing paper laced with synthetic cannabinoids to the Massachusetts Correctional Institution-Shirley, authorities said.

Roxsandra Wright was taken into custody on a felony warrant issued by Ayer District Court for delivering contraband to an inmate, an investigation by the Department of Correction and the Massachusetts State Police Narcotics Task Force found.

Synthetic, cannabinoid-laced paper refers to paper that has been treated with chemicals designed to mimic THC, the compound found in cannabis. Research shows that use of the substance is usually associated with serious health problems and can be life-threatening.

“The Massachusetts Department of Correction holds all staff members to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” said DOC Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. “Any behavior that compromises the safety and security of our facilities, or undermines public trust, will not be tolerated.”

The medium-security state prison recently implemented an approach to prevent the introduction of illegal substances due to the risks contraband poses to the safety and health of both staff and incarcerated individuals, the Department of Correction wrote in a news release.

This approach includes the use of advanced screening technology, strict operational protocols, extensive staff training and education, and close collaboration with law enforcement partners to deter and intercept contraband, they said.

“The DOC is continuously adapting its protocols to address emerging threats to ensure a safe and rehabilitative environment for all those in state prisons,” they wrote.

Wright resigned from the department earlier this month, effective Oct. 31, authorities said. She is expected to appear in Ayer District Court on November 4.

Alexa Coultoff can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @alexacoultoff.