More charges after drugs found at DOC Intake

A 39-year-old woman is facing more serious charges after additional drugs were allegedly discovered concealed in her body during the intake process at the Department of Corrections. 

According to a magistrate’s complaint, Esther Jean Cruz was initially arrested just before midnight Sunday following a traffic stop on Route 28 for a vehicle equipment violation. Officers reported seeing a glass meth pipe in plain view inside the SUV. The pipe later tested positive for methamphetamine.

Cruz, who was already on pre-trial release for a separate third-degree felony drug charge, was taken into custody and transported to the Women’s Facility at DOC.

During intake, officers allegedly found a resealable bag containing approximately 0.16 grams of methamphetamine concealed in her body.

She is now charged with promoting major prison contraband as a second-degree felony and possession of a schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony. Both new charges include a notice of commission of a felony while on felony release.