A former Massachusetts state employee and a federal inmate have been charged with offenses related to the distribution and possession of synthetic cannabinoids, known as “K2,” at FMC Devens federal prison. The charges come after the inmate had his sentence reduced through clemency earlier this year.
Tasha Hammock, 43, who previously worked for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, is accused of providing contraband to an inmate. Raymond Gaines, 45, currently incarcerated at FMC Devens, faces charges for possessing contraband. Both individuals were initially charged in March 2025.
Court documents reveal that Gaines was sentenced in January 2022 to over seven years in prison for drug-related offenses. He was on supervised release from a previous conviction involving cocaine distribution near a school. Gaines’s sentence was later reduced to five years following an Executive Grant of Clemency on January 17, 2025.
It is alleged that Hammock delivered K2-laced papers to Gaines during a visit on August 18, 2024. She reportedly handled money linked to distributing K2 within the prison and received shipments of K2 at her home for further distribution. Investigations also uncovered messages discussing drug deliveries sent by another inmate using a smuggled cellphone.
The presence of K2 has caused health issues at FMC Devens among inmates and staff exposed to its smoke.
Both charges carry potential penalties including up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines reaching $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge based on guidelines and statutes.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley along with officials from the FBI Boston Division and DOJ-OIG Northeast Regional Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea.
Charges are allegations at this stage; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
