Contraband at McNaughton: Why Even Small Mistakes Can Lead to Felony Charges

At MCC, contraband is best understood as anything you bring into the visiting center that isn’t specifically allowed. The sergeant must inspect all items visitors bring into the Center, and the sergeant also has discretion over what’s allowed during visits. That means the “gray area” is real: even if something seems harmless, staff can still decide it can’t come in, and you’re expected to follow their directives once you’re on site.

• ✓ Leave personal property out of the visiting center, including cell phones, pagers, PDAs, electronic devices, and cameras.
• ✓ The only personal items explicitly allowed are baby supplies and up to $25 per person for vending machines.
• ✓ Do not bring purses or diaper bags inside the center.
• ✓ If you’re bringing baby items, carry diapers, individual wipes, and plastic baby bottles in a paper or plastic bag.
• ✓ Do not bring any food or beverages into the Center.
• ✓ If you buy something from the vending machines, it must be consumed by the end of the visit.

This is where “small mistakes” can turn into serious legal trouble. Introducing contraband or delivering articles to an inmate is a Class I felony under Wisconsin statute 302.095, and MCC refers these cases to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department for prosecution. If you’re thinking about bringing something “just in case,” or passing something quickly during a visit, don’t - this isn’t treated like a minor rule violation.

During a visit, staff control what comes in and what happens at the tables. The sergeant must inspect all items brought into the Center and has discretion over what’s allowed, so if something looks questionable - or if staff believe an item is being brought in for an inmate - expect immediate intervention. MCC also prohibits passing or receiving items during a visit without authorization from staff, and that kind of exchange is exactly the sort of thing that can trigger a contraband concern.

1. Go straight to the Control Center to register - After you arrive from the Visitors Parking Area, that’s your required first stop.
2. Assume you won’t be able to “run something back to the car” - Once you’re registered, you’re not allowed to return to your vehicle unless the sergeant authorizes it.
3. Bring only what you’re ready to hand over for inspection - The sergeant must inspect everything you bring in and has discretion over what’s allowed, so keep it minimal and follow staff directives if they tell you an item can’t enter.

• ✓ Do leave all personal property out of the center (including phones, cameras, and other electronic devices).
• ✓ Do bring only what’s explicitly allowed: baby supplies and up to $25 per person for vending machines.
• ✓ Don’t bring purses or diaper bags.
• ✓ If you need baby items, carry diapers, individual wipes, and plastic baby bottles in a paper or plastic bag.
• ✓ Don’t bring outside food or beverages.
• ✓ Do eat or drink anything you buy from the vending machines before the visit ends.
• ✓ Don’t pass or receive items during the visit unless staff authorizes it.
• ✓ Keep physical contact within the rule: an embrace and a kiss at the beginning and end of the visit only - no other physical contact during the visit.