An attempt to sneak prescription pain killers into the Pueblo County jail through the judicial building was foiled by Pueblo County Sheriff's deputies Wednesday.

Phil Martinez, 26, was arrested on suspicion of attempting to introduce contraband into the jail, after he was observed walking into the Division C courtroom and dropping a bag of narcotics in the jury box, the Sheriff's office said.

Sheriff's detectives said the narcotics were intended for Martinez's girlfriend, Felisha Trujillo, 22, an inmate at the jail who was due in court for a sentencing that day.

Martinez is being held on additional charges of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance, conspiracy and two counts of violating a restraining order.

Trujillo is being held on suspicion of introduction of contraband, possession of a controlled substance and conspiracy.  Deputies said they learned of Martinez's plan to deliver the drugs to his girlfriend by monitoring a phone call between the two earlier in the day.

Deputy Laurie Kilpatrick said the sheriff's office worked with District Judge Victor Reyes to monitor the courtroom.

At 11 a.m., detectives observed Martinez walk into the empty courtroom and drop the bag of narcotics in the jury box.

Martinez was arrested by deputies as he left the judicial building.

The incident happened minutes after more than 70 fifth-graders from Belmont Elementary School had finished a mock trial in the same courtroom.

 

This photo provided by the Pubelo County Detention Center shows Phil Martinez , who Pueblo County authorities say tried to get narcotics into jail for his girlfriend, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010 through a courtroom exchange at her sentencing hearing. (AP Photo/Pubelo County Detention Center) (AP / January 28, 2010)