POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — A 30-year-old woman from Poughkeepsie has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after investigators say she attempted to smuggle synthetic drugs into New York State correctional facilities by mailing narcotics-laced letters to inmates.
The suspect, Elyse DeGeorge, was taken into custody on Tuesday by New York State Police and faces three counts of first-degree promoting prison contraband—a felony offense. The arrest comes amid a wave of concerning incidents inside state prisons involving staff and inmates being exposed to unknown substances, prompting a statewide review of mail-handling procedures.
Synthetic Drugs Found at Residence
Law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at DeGeorge’s residence, where they discovered paper soaked with K2, a potent synthetic cannabinoid often disguised and smuggled into prisons through correspondence. Officers also found a postage stamp, priority mail envelopes, and other materials consistent with efforts to distribute contraband by mail.
The investigation revealed that DeGeorge allegedly sent the drug-laced letters to multiple inmates housed at both Five Points Correctional Facility and Coxsackie Correctional Facility in New York.
Arraigned and Held on Bail
Following her arrest, DeGeorge was arraigned in Dutchess County and is currently being held at the Dutchess County Jail on a $5,000 cash bond. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues, particularly if authorities uncover further evidence linking her to other facilities or inmates.
Not Her First Run-In with the Law
This is not DeGeorge’s first brush with criminal prosecution. According to records from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, she was previously arrested in 2021 alongside five others in connection with a counterfeit drug ring. Investigators found that she had ordered fake prescription medications from the dark web, which were later distributed through a local business.
DeGeorge ultimately pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a controlled substance and was sentenced to two years of probation.
Prison Exposure Incidents Spark Statewide Alarm
DeGeorge’s latest arrest comes at a time when the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) is investigating multiple exposure incidents at state prisons, where correctional staff and inmates have experienced headaches, dizziness, nausea, and sore throats—believed to be linked to unknown airborne or contact-based substances.
In response to these cases, DOCCS is now implementing a system-wide mail screening reform, aimed at preventing synthetic drugs from entering facilities.
Timeline of Recent Exposure Events at NYS Prisons
DOCCS has released a timeline of several recent events that raised alarm among prison officials and public safety personnel:
April 28, 2025 — Eastern Correctional Facility
Smoke was observed coming from a cell in the Special Housing Unit. A sergeant, five correction officers, and a nurse who responded reported dizziness, headaches, sore throats, and nausea. They were transported to a hospital. Five of the seven affected staff members have since returned to work.
April 29, 2025 — Repeat Incident at Eastern
In the same Special Housing Unit, another similar event occurred. This time, a lieutenant, two sergeants, four correction officers, and several inmates were exposed. Medical evaluations were conducted on-site, and some staff members were sent to outside hospitals. DOCCS moved all inmates out of the unit and began a full decontamination, including ventilation system checks and mattress replacements.
April 30, 2025 — Upstate Correctional Facility
Three nurses became light-headed and dizzy while on their rounds and were transported to an outside hospital. They were discharged the same day and are expected to return to work by May 2. No substance was identified, and DOCCS K9 units found no narcotic indicators.
Broader Implications and Public Health Concerns
While DeGeorge’s arrest focuses on contraband smuggling via mail, the broader incidents underscore systemic vulnerabilities in mail screening protocols across New York State correctional facilities. The use of substances like K2, which can be sprayed onto paper and is difficult to detect visually, has created significant health risks for staff and incarcerated individuals alike.
The state is now re-evaluating its procedures for mail handling, drug detection, and exposure response, with efforts to roll out updated policies and technologies in the coming weeks.
Public Urged to Report Information
The investigation into DeGeorge’s activities is ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone who may have information regarding this case or similar incidents to contact the New York State Police or the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through appropriate agency channels, and all information will be treated confidentially.
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