Man charged for attempted drug smuggling

Branch County authorities have charged a Detroit man for attempting to smuggle drugs into the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater.

Sheriff’s officials said Derrick Herring Jr., 38, has been arraigned on conspiracy to furnish contraband. The charge stems from a May 2023 incident that was caught on security video. Herring allegedly threw a package over the perimeter fence at the prison.

The package was recovered by prison guards and contained more than 300 packets of Suboxone, along with contraband cell phones.

Herring is scheduled to have a probable cause hearing Sept. 26. Meanwhile, a preliminary examination is set for Oct. 3.