Burlington inmate, girlfriend charged in jail drug-smuggling probe

A Burlington County Jail inmate is accused of dealing Suboxone inside, and his girlfriend outside is accused of supplying it.

Garret E. Massa, 36, and Jennifer L. Parker, 42, of Naitonal Park in Gloucester County, are charged with conspiracy and with manufacturing, distributing or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance, according to the office of Burlington County Prosector Robert D. Bernardi.

Massa is incarcerated on unrelated charges. Suboxone is used to treat heroin addiction. Investigators allege that he traded the drug with other inmates for goods from the jail commisary.

Authorities said that Parker sent strips of Suboxone to Massa inside an envelope bearing a defense lawyer's return address, without the attorney's knowledge.

A second mailing that arrived during the investigation was intercepted and also found to contain Suboxone strips, investigators said.

Massa's bail on the new charges was set at $20,000, with a 10-percent option. Parker was released without bail.

The Prosecutor's office notes that charges are accusations, and that defendants are considered innocent unless and until guilt is established in a court of law.