Pubdate: Sun, 11 Jun 2006
Source: Helena Independent Record (MT)
Copyright: 2006 Helena Independent Record
Contact:  http://helenair.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1187
Author:  The Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PRISON GUARD SENTENCED FOR TRYING TO SMUGGLE DRUGS INTO PRISON

MISSOULA  -- A former Montana State Prison guard was sentenced Friday 
to three years and one month in prison for trying to smuggle 
marijuana, heroin and methamphetamine into the prison. District Judge 
Donald Molloy also ordered Michael Short, 50, of Anaconda, to forfeit 
$4,500 in cash, his pickup truck and two guns.

Short pleaded guilty to attempted possession with intent to 
distribute marijuana, heroin and methamphetamine, and to being a drug 
user in possession of a firearm.

Prosecutors said they learned from a confidential informant that 
Short had been smuggling contraband, such as tobacco, into the prison 
and that he intended to start smuggling illegal drugs into the facility.

Short was arrested in July 2005, after the second of two sting 
operations in which he agreed to smuggle drugs into the prison in 
exchange for money.

In the first, Short picked up a package of what he believed was a 
quarter-pound of marijuana and a half-ounce of crystal meth and 
delivered it to the confidential source at the prison. A few days 
later, Short agreed to deliver a package of marijuana, meth and 
heroin to the prison. He was arrested after receiving the package 
from someone posing as the brother of the confidential source.  Court 
records said Short admitted smuggling tobacco and what he believed 
were drugs into the prison. He also admitted he had used marijuana 
for about 30 years.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman