Inmate at Rivers Correctional Institution Indicted on Charges of Conspiring to Smuggle Heroin Into Prison

RALEIGH – Robert J. Higdon, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Greenville has returned an indictment charging RONALD WYNN, 44, an inmate in Rivers Correctional Institution in Hertford, North Carolina, with two counts: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, and conspiracy to provide and possess prohibited objects, including heroin, within Rivers Correctional Institution. The indictment alleges that on various dates, WYNN directed another person to provide heroin and other prohibited objects to WYNN while WYNN was an inmate at the Rivers facility.

If convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, WYNN would face maximum penalties of twenty years’ imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000 or both fine and imprisonment, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

If convicted of conspiracy to provide and possess prohibited objects, including heroin, within  Rivers Correctional Institution, WYNN would face maximum penalties of twenty years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000 or both fine and imprisonment, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

This case was brought by the United States Attorney’s Office through partnerships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott A. Lemmon.