Twin sisters accused of trying to smuggle drugs into Merced County jail

Authorities say twin sisters have been arrested after attempting to smuggle drugs into John Latoracca Correctional Center in Merced County

Maya Mullins, 20, and her twin sister Kaya Mullins, both of Los Banos, were arrested Sunday, for allegedly bringing a large amount of illegal drugs into the facility, according to a news release.

The Sheriff’s Office said the women were there to visit an inmate identified as 27-year-old Jamarius Ballio.

The Sheriff’s Office said that prior to their visit, the two women were observed going into the women’s restroom and acting suspiciously when they came out a short time later.

Correctional staff entered the restroom while the women visited Ballio and located a large amount of illegal drugs hidden in the restroom, according to the news release.

According to Deputy Daryl Allen, the Sheriff’s Office would not say what drugs were found or where they were located in the bathroom, due to the ongoing investigation.

Following an investigation, deputies took the sisters into custody and they were booked on suspicion of smuggling drugs into the jail, possession of a controlled substance where prisoners are kept, conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of over one pound of a controlled substance for sale, authorities said.

According to jail records, the women remain in custody at the John Latoracca Correctional Center in lieu of $115,000 bond.

The Sheriff’s Office said Ballio received additional charges regarding attempts to smuggle drugs into the jail.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and anyone attempting to smuggle drugs into Merced County Correctional Facilities will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

This story was originally published January 7, 2020 at 11:47 AM.