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Allentown man awaiting hearing for charges of smuggling drugs into prison

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FRACKVILLE — An Allentown man was jailed after he allegedly tried to smuggle illegal drugs into the federal prison in Butler Township.

William Bonilla, 51, of 319 N. Ridge Ave., Apt. 1, faces one felony count each of possession with intent to manufacture synthetic marijuana and contraband and one misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled or counterfeit substance.

Bonilla was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $25,000 straight cash bail.

Bonilla was charged by state police Cpl. Jeff Sampson, crime unit supervisor of the Frackville station, in connection with an incident Friday morning at Federal Correctional Institution/Schuylkill at Interstate 81 and Route 901.

Sampson said Bonilla tried to smuggle illegal synthetic marijuana commonly known as K2 into the prison and give it to his stepson who is an inmate.

Sampson said prison officials continuously monitor telephone conversations of the inmates and between Dec. 26 and Jan. 28, monitored conversations between Bonilla and his stepson.

During these conversations, the man’s stepson directed him to bring controlled substances in to the prison during his scheduled visit Friday and pass it to him, Sampson said.

About 10:20 a.m., Bonilla arrived at the jail and, prior to the visitation, was asked if he would consent to a search for drugs. During the search, Sampson said prison officials found three balloons containing synthetic marijuana in the groin area of Bonilla who subsequently admitted the drugs were his.

When interviewed, Sampson said Bonilla told him he was instructed by his stepson to accept a package from a woman near their home in Allentown and take it to FCI/Schuylkill.

Bonilla told investigators that he planned to pass the package to his stepson during their visitation session, the corporal said.

Bonilla also said he met with the female friend of his stepson, accepted three balloons that were inside the package and was then driven to the prison where he entered through the main entrance with the drug-filled balloons in his underwear, Sampson said.

Bonilla will now have to appear for a preliminary hearing on the charges before Hale in her Frackville courtroom.


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