Corrections Officer Accused of Trafficking Drugs in Mass. Prison

A months-long investigation has resulted in three people, including a correction officer, being charged with bringing drugs into a maximum security prison in Shirley, Mass., and conspiring to distribute them, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office.

Brandon Beach, a 30-year-old guard at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center, was the alleged mastermind behind the scheme. Beach is being held on $50,000 bail after he was accused of violating a host of drug laws, including trafficking in heroin, cocaine, and marijuana.

Two alleged accomplices are identified as Sandra Lomastro, of Fall River, and her son, inmate Robert Page.

“This alleged scheme — overseen and facilitated by a corrections officer who was sworn to maintain the integrity of the institution — undermined the safety and well-being of every inmate and staffer,’’ Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said in a statement.

After the scent of burnt marijuana was detected at the prison in March, officials launched an investigation that ultimately led them to Page, who was allegedly conspiring “in coded language’’ with his mother, Lomastro, during phone calls. Officials said those phone calls were used to arrange “the delivery of illegal narcotics.’’

The investigation continued with Lomastro’s phone being tapped by law enforcement, who later that same month reported that she was seen entering her home while carrying a black bag. Soon afterwards on that same day, Beach is alleged to have entered the home, leaving shortly with “what appeared to be the same black bag,’’ according to the DA’s office.

Police then pulled Beach over in his car and allegedly discovered cocaine, heroin, and marijuana in his possession. He has since been placed on unpaid leave.