Federal Inmate Convicted of Conspiring with Nurse to Smuggle Prescription Drugs into Marion Prison

A federal inmate is potentially facing more time behind bars after he was caught trying to smuggle prescription narcotics into prison. Steven W. Snook, 42, pleaded guilty earlier today to conspiring with a licensed practical nurse and others to bring Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) into the U.S. Penitentiary at Marion, Illinois, through the mail, to sell to other inmates. Snook also pleaded guilty to a charge of unlawfully attempting to obtain prison contraband. The charged offenses occurred between October 2016 and May 2017, while Snook was imprisoned at USP Marion for a prior drug trafficking offense.

As part of his guilty plea, Snook admitted entering into the illicit enterprise with his co-defendant, 36-year-old Jenny Martin of Tilton, Illinois – an acquaintance who was also a licensed practical nurse. During in-person visits at the prison, Snook and Martin discussed introducing Suboxone into USP Marion as a way to make money. Martin acquired the Suboxone strips illegally for $20 each and mailed them under the alias "Rachel Hall" to other inmates recruited by Snook. Snook instructed Martin how to conceal the Suboxone strips under the glued bottom flaps of the envelopes.

Evidence photograph of intercepted envelope.

In April 2017, prison officials discovered the plot and intercepted two pieces of mail with Suboxone strips hidden inside. A subsequent investigation revealed multiple wire transfers that Martin had received from Snook and others as payment for the Suboxone she provided.

Martin previously pleaded guilty for her role in the conspiracy and is due to be sentenced on Aug. 27, 2019. Snook’s sentencing is set for Oct. 16, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States District Court in Benton, Illinois. He faces up to 5 years imprisonment on each count, which by law must be served consecutively to the 262-month sentence he is still serving. Each count also carries a potential fine of up to $250,000.

The investigation leading to the charges in this case was conducted by the FBI and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Cutchin.