Los Angeles

Teacher Charged With Smuggling Heroin, Phones Into San Quentin

The teacher could face up to four years in prison under the charges

Authorities say a Los Angeles teacher has been charged with smuggling heroin and cellphones to a San Quentin inmate on death row.

The East Bay Times reports Monday that 47-year-old Teri Orina Nichols brought 18 cellphones, 18 cellphone chargers, two unidentified blue pills and about 3 ounces of heroin into the prison under her clothing during a visit with 50-year-old Bruce Millsap.

Millsap was condemned in 2000 for a series of murders and robberies in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties.

Nichols is free on bail and returns to court Sept. 13 for an arraignment. Deputy District Attorney Kevin O'Hara says she could face up to four years in prison under the charges.

Prison Lt. Samuel Robinson says authorities are still evaluating how she was successful in circumventing security measures.

Nichols could not be reached for comment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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