Baltimore Man Arrested for Attempting to Smuggle Contraband into Lewisburg Prison

A Baltimore man was arrested after allegedly trying to sneak into the U.S. Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, wearing a ghillie suit to blend in with his surroundings.

Lewisburg, PA

James Terrell Hampton-Smith, 36, was taken into custody around 1:30 a.m. on August 14 after prison staff noticed him crawling over a fence on the prison property in Kelly Township, according to an affidavit filed by Trooper Nathan Wenzel of the Pennsylvania State Police Milton barracks. The fence was clearly marked with "No Trespassing" signs.

How Did He Manage To Smuggle The Contraband?

Authorities say Hampton-Smith donned the camouflage suit to avoid detection as he crawled across the prison grounds carrying a black duffle bag. When police arrived, they discovered a stash of contraband inside the bag, which included 19 THC vape cartridges, a small amount of what is believed to be synthetic marijuana ("spice"), a bag of suspected THC-infused paper, 121 unidentified pills, and 120 unwrapped vape pens. The bag also contained several cell phones, cigarettes, phone chargers, and a utility cutting tool. According to the affidavit, Hampton-Smith intended to deliver these items to inmates at the facility.

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How Much Trouble Is He In Now?

Hampton-Smith is facing multiple charges, including felony counts of drug possession with intent to deliver, criminal trespassing, and other related drug offenses. Following his arrest, District Judge Jeffrey A. Rowe set his bail at $50,000. He is currently being held at Union County Prison, awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 5 at Judge Rowe's office.