Man accused of attempting to pass contraband to jail inmate

A former Great Falls man now living in Lake County is accused of attempting to get illegal contraband into the Lake County Jail. Christopher Jermaine Marks, 44, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Jan. 2 to felony charges of criminal possession with intent to distribute and transferring illegal articles or unauthorized communications.

According to court records, on Dec. 4, Marks walked into the Lake County Detention Center and gave Commander John Todd a copy of the novel “Raised By Wolves.” Marks passed the book through a secure document door into the control room of the jail where Commander Todd was sitting, and stated the book was for inmate Gaige Caye.

Todd inspected the book and found irregularities, specifically along the spine of the book. Upon further inspection, Todd discovered approximately 10 suboxone strips concealed within.

Suboxone is a drug commonly prescribed to help people overcome addictions to illegal drugs. Earlier in the day, Caye repeatedly asked if his book arrived yet. Suboxone contains the drug buprenorphine and is not permitted in the Lake County Jail.

Judge John A. Mercer set the case for trial on May 12. Marks remains in custody with bail set at $50,000.