Mariah Saday Washington, 33, of Philadelphia, was arraigned Tuesday, June 30th, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker on charges stemming from a Pennsylvania Department of Corrections investigation.
According to court documents, Washington is charged with felony contraband to a confined person, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, as well as misdemeanor counts of intentional possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The alleged offenses occurred on Sept. 29, 2023, at SCI Mahanoy in Mahanoy Township.
The criminal complaint, filed by a Criminal Investigator from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence, alleges the investigation began after SCI Mahanoy security received information from a confidential source that inmates William Brown and Michael Holliday were conspiring to introduce contraband into the prison through scheduled contact visits. Investigators reportedly monitored recorded inmate telephone conversations and identified Washington and another woman, Tyrika Washington, as individuals allegedly involved in facilitating the scheme.
Investigators allege Brown used coded language during recorded phone calls, referring to "joints" and "jawns" when discussing Suboxone with Washington. Authorities said the terminology was recognized by investigators, based on their training and experience, as references to contraband. Additional recorded conversations allegedly confirmed plans to introduce the drugs during prison visits scheduled for Sept. 29, 2023.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Washington and Tyrika Washington arrived together at SCI Mahanoy on Sept. 29, 2023. Investigators observed the pair remain inside their vehicle for several minutes before entering the facility, during which Washington allegedly changed her shirt and repeatedly adjusted her clothing.
Before entering the visiting room, Washington was subjected to a routine air scan by a Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence K-9 trained to detect controlled substances. The affidavit states the dog alerted to Washington, prompting investigators to escort her to a conference room for further questioning.
Authorities allege Washington admitted she had a controlled substance concealed in the front of her pants. Investigators reported that she removed a plastic-wrapped package containing what appeared to be Suboxone and placed it on a table. Laboratory testing later confirmed the package contained 79 films of buprenorphine and naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Suboxone.
Washington was unable to post $25,000 monetary bail set by Judge Kilker and was committed to Schuylkill County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 9.