A woman who smuggled drugs into a Sheridan federal prison containing a substance 20 to 50 times more potent than morphine was sentenced yesterday to two-and-a-half years behind bars.

Robynn Regina Cunningham (52) smuggled Suboxone, containing buprenorphine, inside her bra when visiting inmate Divine S. Irvis. Her smuggling operation was uncovered after prison staff received anonymous notes alleging that a prisoner was distributing drugs to other inmates.

Woman was Listed as ‘Lover’ on the Inmate’s Contact list

An investigation revealed that the telephone number of a contact named ‘lover’ on Irvis’ contact list belonged to Cunningham, his main visitor.

Prison staff were told by the anonymous tipster that someone brought Irvis drugs during prison visits and that he was hiding bags of methamphetamine tied under his testicles, in socks, and a rubber glove, according to an affidavit by the FBI.

The affidavit also stated that Cunningham failed body scans for drugs on two occasions when attempting to visit Irvis in November and December 2023.

When reviewing surveillance footage of the four visits Cunningham had made to Irvis between September and December, investigators noticed that she would reach inside her bra and pull out an object that she then balled up in her fist. Cunningham would pretend to cough, covering her mouth with her fist before kissing Irvis after he entered the visitor’s room.

A Strip of Suboxone Sells for $250 in Prison

In the affidavit, the FBI agents explained that one strip of Suboxone sells for around $250 in prison. It contains two substances – buprenorphine and naloxone – and is by people seeking an opioid-like high because of the potency of buprenorphine, said the FBI agent.

Last July, Cunningham admitted guilt to a charge of attempting to smuggle contraband into a prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate A. Rochat said distribution amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine were found in Cunningham’s home last May when she was on pretrial release after her arrest. Her release was subsequently revoked.

Introducing drugs into a prison puts inmates and guards at risk, said U.S. District Judge Marco A. Hernandez during sentencing, adding that it creates chaos ‘in an already chaotic system.’

Cunningham’s arrest came when FBI agents, working with Yamhill County sheriff deputies, asked her to remove an item from her bra that turned out to be 137 strips of Suboxone.

According to the affidavit, a search of Cunningham’s phone revealed several money transfers. They said Cunningham had told them she sold drugs ‘to make ends meet.’