GRAND JUNCTION, CO — A 23-year-old inmate at the Mesa County Detention Facility is facing multiple new felony charges after an incident involving hidden fentanyl exposed staff to dangerous substances.
Kamber Lawrence was originally booked into the facility on January 25, 2026, on outstanding warrants, weapons, and drug charges. According to the Sheriff’s Office, by January 27, staff suspected Lawrence was concealing drugs in a body cavity.
A body scan revealed an abnormality, and when staff confronted Lawrence, she attempted to remove the contraband herself. During the attempt, she tore the bag open, exposing both herself and jail staff to what authorities described as a “lethal amount of suspected fentanyl.”
Despite the exposure, no serious injuries were reported.
Following the incident, Lawrence was charged with the following additional crimes:
- Controlled Substance Distribution of Fentanyl 4-50 Grams (Felony 2)
- Controlled Substance Distribution of Fentanyl Less Than 4 Grams (Felony 3)
- 2nd Degree Introduction of Contraband (Felony 6)
- Tampering With Physical Evidence (Felony 6)
- Reckless Endangerment (4 Counts – Misdemeanor 2)