Monique Megchiani, a 48-year-old Michigan woman, has pleaded guilty to smuggling a full, unopened bottle of Cupcake Vineyards Pinot Grigio wine into a correctional facility by concealing it inside her vagina. The incident occurred as she was being processed into jail following her arrest for trespassing at a CVS pharmacy in Grand Traverse.
Guilty Plea and Charges
Appearing in Circuit Court on Wednesday, Megchiani admitted to a felony contraband count, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. In exchange for her guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to drop several other charges, according to the Smoking Gun.
Background of the Incident
Megchiani was initially arrested in May for trespassing at a CVS pharmacy from which she had been banned. Police reports indicate that on May 9, she entered the store, allegedly stole wine, and consumed it in the store's restroom. She was later hospitalized for "high intoxication." Upon discharge from a local medical center on May 10, she "immediately returned" to the same CVS, where officers found her at the checkout counter for trespassing again.
At the time of the second arrest, the arresting officer was unaware that Megchiani had stolen another bottle of Cupcake Pinot Grigio and hidden it on her person. She was handcuffed and escorted to a police car, but had difficulty getting into the back seat. According to the report, "Megchiani advised that she was not able to get into the vehicle. After some convincing, Megchiani was able to slowly manoeuvre herself into the backseat."
Discovery of Contraband
During the booking process at the jail, a female corrections deputy performed a "final check" on Megchiani. The Traverse City Police Department report states that "it was learned that Megchiani had concealed a bottle of Cupcake Vineyards Pinot Grigio inside her person." Megchiani reluctantly complied with the deputy's order to remove the bottle, which was a screw-top vessel and "was removed and was still intact." The evidence was later destroyed "due to biohazard concerns."
Defendant's Background
The Smoking Gun reported that Megchiani had previously worked as an associate counsellor at a substance abuse treatment centre in Michigan, where she assisted individuals "through the critical stages of detox from illicit drugs and alcohol abuse."
