STILLWATER, Minn. — A convicted murderer and a prison guard have been federally indicted for allegedly carrying out a scheme to distribute methamphetamine inside Stillwater Prison.
The U.S. Attorney's Office says 34-year-old Axel Rene Kramer conspired with another individual to bring drugs into the facility by making contact with dealers outside the facility, setting up meeting times and locations. Prosecutors say he did so by using cell phones smuggled in to him by 24-year-old prison guard Faith Rose Gratz, who would pick up and deliver the narcotics to Kramer.
A federal complaint filed against Gratz says she smuggled methamphetamine into Stillwater Prison on six separate occasions, and used her position to warn Kramer about upcoming cell searches so he could hide the drugs and phones.
On April 8, 2022 law enforcement recovered one of Kramer's cell phones and allegedly recovered hundreds of text messages between him and Gratz discussing the drug conspiracy. The texts also described a romantic relationship, including plans to get married. Authorities confronted Gratz, searched her car and recovered a half-pound of meth.
Kramer and Gratz are charged with one federal count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, while Gratz is also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Prosecutors in Washington County previously charged Gratz at the local level with one count each of first-degree sale of 17 grams or more of cocaine or meth, and first-degree possession of 50 grams or more of cocaine or meth.
The two felony charges each carry a maximum prison sentence of 30 years and $1 million fine for a first controlled substance conviction.
Kramer is already serving a 288-month sentence for second-degree murder.
