Ex-Con Pleads Guilty to Prison Smuggling

CONCORD, N.H.

A former inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Berlin, New Hampshire, has pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband into the prison.

Jason Ponder, 36, was arrested after he was caught with synthetic cannabinoids, known as AB-Fubinaca, a controlled substance.

The incident occurred on March 12, 2016, when Ponder’s girlfriend visited him at the prison. During the visit, she passed three small white packages to Ponder, which were captured on the prison’s security cameras.

Laboratory analysis confirmed that the material was AB-Fubinaca, a highly addictive and potent synthetic cannabinoid.

Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as ‘spice’ or ‘K2,’ are often marketed as incense or potpourri but are smoked to produce a high. These products have been linked to numerous hospitalizations and medical side effects due to their potent chemicals.

Ponder has agreed to serve an eight-month sentence, which will begin after he completes his current sentence. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 8, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Feith.

As a warning to other inmates, Ponder’s case highlights the risks and consequences of smuggling contraband into prisons. The Federal Bureau of Prisons will continue to take a tough stance on these types of crimes to maintain the safety and security of our facilities.

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