Inmate’s family member arrested in alleged drug smuggle attempt at Haynesville Correctional Center

RICHMOND COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- An inmate's family member was arrested after officials said she admitted to attempting to smuggle drugs into an inmate graduation at Haynesville Correctional Center in Richmond County.

According to the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), Kristyn Nicole Mazzariello, of Newport News, attempted to visit Haynesville Correctional Center on Nov. 22, 2024, for a scheduled inmate graduation.

Facility investigators and Office of Law Enforcement Services special agents reportedly stopped and spoke to Mazzariello, and later asked her to submit to a drug and contraband scan from a VADOC K-9.

According to officials, the K-9 alerted during the scan of Mazzariello's body and later alerted inside her vehicle.

Mazzariello then reportedly admitted to having drugs and surrendered three packages that were previously hidden on her body.

Authorities said the packages contained 90 Buprenorphine and Naloxone strips, as well as seven synthetic marijuana papers -- which totaled about $75,000 in prison value.

According to VADOC, Mazzariello has been charged with manufacturing, selling, giving, distributing or possessing with the intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance prohibited -- which is a felony.

The incident remains an active investigation. VADOC said anyone with information concerning attempted smuggling can call 540-830-9280.