Norwood Woman Charged with Distributing Synthetic Marijuana into State Correctional Facilities

BOSTON – A Norwood woman was arrested this morning and charged in federal court in Worcester with distributing synthetic marijuana into state correctional facilities. 

Caitlin Marcey, 27, was charged by criminal complaint with distribution of a controlled substance. Marcey was released on conditions following an initial appearance.

According to charging documents, on two separate occasions, Marcey mailed papers soaked in synthetic marijuana, or “K2,” to Massachusetts correctional facilities. Massachusetts jails combat the illegal introduction of synthetic marijuana –often referred to as “K2” – into the facilities. The most common means of doing so is by soaking or spraying synthetic marijuana onto documents and then transporting those documents, either in person or by mail, into the jail, where they can be smoked. It is common to attempt to include documents soaked in synthetic marijuana in mailings disguised as legal mail, as this mail is generally not subjected to rigorous screening due to attorney-client privilege. 

In November 2018, investigators at the Souza Baranowksi Correctional Center (SBCC) in Lancaster, Mass., monitored recorded jail calls during which Marcey allegedly arranged for the delivery of synthetic marijuana. Investigators subsequently intercepted mail sent by Marcey that purport to be an attorney mailing to an SBCC inmate. The records inside the mailing tested positive for synthetic marijuana. 

Similarly, in December 2018, Marcey was allegedly caught on U.S. Post Office security video mailing a package disguised as being sent by an attorney to an inmate at the Worcester County House of Corrections. The contents of that mailing also tested positive for the presence of synthetic marijuana. 

The charge of distribution of a controlled substance provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis; and Worcester Police Chief Steven M. Sargent made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg A. Friedholm and John T. Mulcahy of Lelling’s Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case. 

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.