Lawyer in jail smuggling case gets probation

PONTIAC (AP) -- An attorney who authorities say smuggled Xanax pills and chewing tobacco pouches into the Oakland County Jail to her incarcerated fiance has been sentenced to 18 months of probation. The Detroit News reports Nina Backon of Farmington Hills was sentenced Wednesday. She earlier pleaded guilty to contraband and drug possession charges. The 35-year-old told the court she's eager to get her life "back on track." Oakland County Circuit Judge James Alexander told Backon she has a large responsibility as a lawyer and "blew it." Sheriff's officials say Backon came to the jail last May to visit 23-year-old Eric Wilamowski, serving a 93-day sentence for possession of drug paraphernalia. Suspicious deputies searched Wilamowski and found six pills and 10 chewing tobacco pouches. Backon had claimed to be his attorney. Published: Fri, Apr 29, 2011