Man Accused Of Smuggling Drugs Into Jail After COVID-19 Release

MIDDLETON, MA — A Beverly man who was released from the Essex County jail after testing positive for the coronavirus in April is accused of trying to smuggle suboxone, marijuana and tobacco back into the jail.

Eric Jalbert, 31, was released while awaiting trial on April 14 and ordered to stay confined to his mother's Beverly home. When he violated the terms of his release, he was ordered back to the jail. Correctional officers found the contraband hidden in a body cavity.

An Essex County grand jury indicted Jalbert Wednesday and charged him with possession of Class B with intent to distribute and two counts of introduction of contraband into a jail with intent to distribute.

"Mr. Jalbert risked the safety of others when he was released while testing positive for COVID and sent to live with a vulnerable population. His flagrant disregard for the safety of others continued during his short stay on the outside, and again when he tried to smuggle in contraband to our facilities," Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger said. "I want to thank my staff and the District Attorney's office for their work to ensure Mr. Jalbert would face serious charges for his utter indifference of the law."

Jalbert pleaded guilty to possession of Class A with intent to distribute on July 13 and was sentenced to 2 to 3 years in state prison.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued a sweeping order on April 5 that allowed the release of nonviolent offenders to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The ruling said people charged with most crimes should be released without bail "unless an unreasonable danger to the community would result, or the individual presents a very high risk of flight." The ruling lets people currently serving sentences of 60 days or fewer to file motions to have their sentences revised or revoked.

Dave Copeland covers the North Shore for Patch. He can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).