Crime & Safety
Rensselaer County, NY Jail Drug Smuggling Attempt Leads to 2 Arrests
TROY, NY – Two men are facing felony charges after correctional officers allegedly uncovered an attempt to smuggle contraband into the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility during a visitation sessi
By Erin Vale · 2026-11-01T13:20:35.668Z
TROY, NY – Two men are facing felony charges after correctional officers allegedly uncovered an attempt to smuggle contraband into the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility during a visitation session last week. Authorities announced the arrests Sunday, November 1, following an investigation into the incident.
According to the Rensselaer County Sheriff 's Office, the incident occurred Tuesday, October 27, when a correctional staff member witnessed a visitor allegedly passing a concealed package to an inmate during a handshake.
Investigators identified the visitor as Michael G. Cole Jr., 30, of Albany, and the inmate as Bazeil E. Phoenix, 32.
Authorities said the package containing contraband was hidden inside the finger of a latex glove, apparently intended to conceal the material during the exchange.
Cole was arrested Tuesday and charged with fourth degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a Class C felony, and first degree promoting prison contraband, a Class D felony.
Phoenix was arrested Wednesday, October 28, and charged with tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony, and first degree promoting prison contraband, a Class D felony.
Sheriff Kyle Bourgault credited correctional employees for identifying and stopping the alleged smuggling attempt before the contraband could circulate inside the facility.
"As a result of the hard work and diligence of our Rensselaer County correctional staff, yet another attempt to smuggle dangerous drugs into our facility was intercepted," Bourgault said.
The sheriff emphasized that staff vigilance helps protect employees, incarcerated individuals and visitors.
Following his arrest, Cole was processed and released on an appearance ticket for Troy City Court.
Phoenix was processed, arraigned in Troy City Court and returned to the correctional facility.
Authorities have not disclosed the specific substance involved or its quantity.
Both men face criminal allegations, and the charges do not establish guilt.