31-year-old man charged with delivering contraband into a Lincoln prison
By ALEX VARGAS – Lincoln Journal Star, Neb. (TNS)
A 31-year-old Lincoln man has been charged with allegedly helping to introduce contraband into prison last year, according to court documents.
Kelly McCormack was taken into custody Friday and has been charged with intent to deliver a controlled substance and committing unlawful acts in the Department of Corrections.
In December 2023, the Nebraska State Patrol began an investigation at the Reception and Treatment Center near West Van Dorn and Southwest 27th streets after staff discovered two duct tape-covered tennis balls that were spray-painted white along with four other contraband items wrapped in white socks, according to the arrest affidavit.
The ground was covered in snow at the time. The State Patrol said the white socks and white paint were meant to camouflage the items.
Surveillance footage showed a person walking from a neighborhood near RTC and making six throwing motions toward the facility.
Investigators found a total of 32.3 grams of marijuana inside the tennis balls. The socks carried two cell phones, a charger, cigarettes, a metal fitting and $1.28 in coins.
The State Patrol asked Walmart for purchase information associated with the products found inside RTC. Walmart provided troopers with details showing that McCormack had purchased two phone cards days before the contraband was found, according to the affidavit.
Investigators believe McCormack received two cell phones from an unknown individual months prior and was using the phone cards to activate them.
During an interview, the State Patrol discovered that McCormack drove another man to a neighborhood nearby the prison to throw the contraband inside.
According to the affidavit, McCormack drove the man to the Lincoln bus depot, where he boarded a bus.
The State Patrol continues to search for the man.
Judge Laurie Yardley set McCormack’s percentage bond at $5,000, meaning he would need $500 to be released.
He is being held at the Lancaster County jail.
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