A woman’s supposedly innocent act of bringing banana pudding to a function at the Marion-Walthall Correctional Facility landed her in jail after marijuana was discovered in the bowl.
Major Zach Guidroz said Cheryl Lassiter, 51, of Fort Worth, Texas, was charged with introduction of contraband into a correctional facility after the Monday incident.
“The Marion-Walthall Correctional Facility was hosting its annual Community Caring about Prisoners function,” Guidroz said. “During this time, Cheryl Lassister was visiting the facility and brought banana pudding and other food items for the event. Lassiter was visiting offender Eric Jackson.”
Jackson is serving three life sentences for three counts of homicide and Lassister, an acquaintance, brought the items, which included marijuana to deliver to him.
“After some time, officers’ attention was drawn to the bowl of banana pudding, and upon trying to retrieve it when Jackson took two large oblong objects out of the bowl and attempted to flush them down the toilet. After further investigation, the two wrapped objects contained what appeared to be marijuana.”
Lassiter’s bond had not been set as of Wednesday, and Guidroz said Jackson would face punishment for his involvement.
“We were having a Christmas event for state offenders as we are mandated to have civilian interaction as a way of rehabilitation for state inmates. It’s sad to see people trying to take advantage of our kindness. Do not confuse our kindness for weakness. We will attempt to stop or hinder all crime dealing with this prison and prosecute all parties involved.”
