Inmate Pleads Guilty to Passing Prescription Drug to Cellmate

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Matthew Kyle Ford, a 34-year-old inmate serving time in the Baxter County Detention Center, pled guilty to delivering a controlled substance to his cellmate, 29-year-old Ryan Alexander Gayer. Ford admitted to passing a buprenorphine pill, a prescription medication he had, to Gayer, who was found to be impaired after ingesting the drug. Gayer, who was an Act 309 inmate housed in the county jail, is facing additional charges related to the incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of contraband and drug use within the criminal justice system, even among inmates serving time. The Act 309 program, which allows state prisoners to be housed in county jails, is intended to address overcrowding but also raises questions about inmate supervision and the ability to prevent the exchange of prohibited items.

The details

According to court records, Ford pled guilty to a charge of delivery of a controlled substance and was sentenced to 5 years of probation. Gayer, who was also involved in the drug swap, entered a not guilty plea to possession of prohibited items, possession of a controlled substance, and being a habitual offender charges. Gayer was found to have buprenorphine, a prescription medication Ford had been taking, in his possession after exhibiting signs of impairment. Ford initially denied passing the pill to Gayer but later confessed that he had 'cheeked' the medication and passed it to Gayer, who was part of the Act 309 inmate labor program.

• On October 13, 2025, Ford passed a buprenorphine pill to Gayer.
• On February 2, 2026, Ford pled guilty to delivery of a controlled substance charges.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Gayer's additional charges, including possession of prohibited items, possession of a controlled substance, and being a habitual offender, will be adjudicated in a future court session.