Mom Accused of Using Baby to Pass Suboxone to Inmate

Alexa E. Michalko, 19 of Lake Peekskill NY, was arrested Jan. 7 for promoting prison contraband and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with an incident at the Dutchess County Jail.

At 3:15 pm Thursday Dutchess Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the jail for a report of contraband that was found by a Corrections Officer.

They allege that while visiting the jail, Michalko attempted to pass 1 dosage unit of suboxone to inmate James Heaphy, using the exchange of her 8-month-old daughter to conceal the action.

Suboxone, a controlled substance, is used to treat opiate addiction. It contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioid medication, including pain relief or feelings of well-being that can lead to opioid abuse. Suboxone can be habit-forming.

Michalko was charged with Promoting Prison Contraband 2nd Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, both of which are misdemeanors.

After being processed she was released on an appearance ticket, returnable to the City of Poughkeepsie Court at a later date. In addition Child Protective Services was contacted and is involved in the investigation.

As with any criminal case, the charges described above are merely accusations and Michalko is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.