Grand Junction, Colorado — A Mesa County jail intake incident allegedly involving fentanyl has resulted in additional felony charges against a 23-year-old inmate, officials said.
According to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Kamber Lawrence was originally booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on Jan. 25 on outstanding warrants, weapons charges, and drug-related offenses. During intake procedures, body scans allegedly revealed an abnormality consistent with drugs concealed in a body cavity.
Investigators say Lawrence later attempted to remove and dispose of the suspected drugs, tearing the bag open in the process. Authorities allege the action exposed detention staff and Lawrence herself to a potentially lethal amount of suspected fentanyl. No serious injuries were reported.
Based on the incident, prosecutors have filed additional charges related to the alleged introduction of contraband and distribution of controlled substances inside the facility.
According to charging documents summarized by the sheriff’s office, Lawrence now faces:
- Second-degree introduction of contraband (Felony 6)
- Controlled substance distribution — fentanyl, 4 to 50 grams (Felony 2)
- Controlled substance distribution — fentanyl, less than 4 grams (Felony 3)
- Tampering with physical evidence (Felony 6)
- Reckless endangerment (four counts, misdemeanors)
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that all allegations remain under investigation and that the charges represent accusations, not findings of guilt.
Officials did not release additional details about court dates or potential sentencing ranges. The case remains active, and no further information was available as of Friday.
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding fentanyl exposure in correctional facilities, particularly for detention staff and individuals undergoing intake procedures.
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