Prison Guard Charged After Allegedly Smuggling Drugs, Cell Phone

Apr 4

*Minnesota Correctional Facility in Rush City, Minn.* ***FILE***

A Minnesota corrections officer is facing two charges after allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine and a cell phone into the Rush City Prison.

The alleged incident took place on Sept. 27, 2024, following an inmate’s phone call that was monitored by an investigator in Chisago County.

According to a criminal complaint, 35-year-old Kristi Lettie Tyler was employed at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Rush City when investigators began monitoring inmate phone calls in late September. During the monitoring, authorities intercepted a conversation indicating plans to smuggle contraband into the facility.

As the investigation progressed, Tyler was identified as the correctional officer referenced in the calls. The conversations allegedly discussed an upcoming handoff involving a cell phone and unidentified substances, with later communications confirming her involvement, court documents say.

Investigators learned that the phone number shared with an inmate matched Tyler’s personal number listed in her employment records. On the evening of Sept. 26, 2024, Tyler allegedly communicated directly with an inmate and acknowledged she was on her way to retrieve items. A follow-up call the same night included her saying she had received the materials and that she planned to bring them to the prison the next day.

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During an interview with investigators on Sept. 27, 2024, Tyler reportedly waived her rights and admitted to possessing the items. A search of her jacket and backpack revealed a hidden cell phone and four baggies containing a white powdery substance concealed inside a rubber glove. The substance tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately eight grams, court documents say.

Tyler has been charged with one felony count of introducing contraband into a state correctional facility and one misdemeanor count of unauthorized communication with prisoners. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and she’s expected to make her initial court appearance later this month.

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