Florida – A Florida woman, 32-year-old B. Herera, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to tamper with a witness after allegedly smuggIing a ceIIphone to her lncarcerated husband, convicted murderer, 38-year-old J. Tochton, and conspiring with him to infIuence witness testimony in his ongoing appeal.
The 32-year-old woman was taken into custody on Friday and booked into the county jail on a $5,000 bond. Her spouse, who was convicted of murder in 2013 and is currently appealing his conviction, faces additional charges of conspiracy to tamper with a witness while in custody.
According to court documents, the investigation began when prison officials intercepted communications between the convict and his wife. The messages revealed discussions about coaching a witness to provide testimony favorable to the convicted murderer. In one exchange, the woman allegedly told the 38-year-old man, “Baby, you’re going to come home,” indicating their belief that influencing the witness could lead to his release.
Further messages included instructions for the witness to claim they were threatened by the state prosecutor, aiming to discredit the original testimony. These communications were facilitated through a cellphone that the woman allegedly smuggled into the prison, violating correctional facility regulations and state laws.
During questioning, she reportedly admitted to bringing the ceIIphone into the prison and acknowledged her involvement in the plan to influence the witness. She stated that her actions were motivated by a desire to help her husband overturn his conviction.
Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the charges, noting that tampering with a witness undermines the integrity of the judicial process. Both defendants are scheduled to appear in court later this month to face the new charges.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges correctional facilities face in preventing contraband and unauthorized communications, as well as the lengths individuals may go to in attempting to influence legal proceedings.
