November 5, 2014 at 4:45 p.m.
Rhinelander woman accused of smuggling heroin into jail
Rhinelander woman accused of smuggling heroin into jail
Nicole J. Brownell made her initial appearance on the charges Oct. 31 before Branch I Judge Patrick O'Melia.
Assistant District Attorney Jodi Bednar-Clemens said Brownell placed the heroin, which was wrapped in a cellophane cigarette wrapper, inside her body once she realized she was about to be confronted by sheriff's deputies.
According to the complaint, at about 1:18 a.m. Oct. 29, two deputies on patrol pulled out of a parking lot behind a vehicle registered to Brownell. The vehicle made several turns before pulling into a driveway where it sat with the engine off but the dome light on. After parking in a nearby parking lot to observe the vehicle, officers did a computer check and learned that Brownell did not have a driver's license, the compaint states.
While waiting for the vehicle to resume moving, the deputies' line of sight was momentarily obstructed by a semi. When the truck finally moved, the car was seen parked on the street. A woman later identified as Brownell was seen walking a short distance away. Brownell denied driving the vehicle but the deputies had only observed one occupant in it from the moment they got behind it the complaint states.
A search of Brownell's person and property turned up several syringes, including one she removed from her bra. Also found in the purse was a baggie containing residue that tested positive for heroin.
The following morning, members of the drug unit questioned Brownell about where she purchases her heroin. They also searched the vehicle she had been driving and they found more strings, a spoon used to "cook" heroin and other paraphernalia.
Later that afternoon, the complaint states investigators heard Brownell tell someone on a monitored phone call that she "still had it." Investigators again interviewed Brownell and advised that they would obtain a warrant to have a nurse do a body cavity search. According to the report, Brownell turned over the heroin to a female corrections officer who turned it over to investigators.
During her third interview, Brownell told investigators that 2 grams of heroin was what was left of three grams she had purchased for $900.
During Friday's bond hearing, Bednar-Clemens argued that by bringing the heroin into the jail Brownell had committed a serious crime. She recommended a $2,000 cash bond. Judge Patrick O'Melia set bond a $3,500 and scheduled an adjourned initial appearance for Monday afternoon so Brownell could arrange for legal representation. She remained in jail on a probation hold over the weekend.
During Monday's adjourned initial appearance, Brownell's attorney Gary Cirilli waived reading of the complaint and asked for a preliminary hearing. That hearing was scheduled for Dec. 18.
Jamie Taylor may be reached at [email protected].
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