Defense Lawyer Charged in Heroin Case

Updated: A federal criminal defense lawyer has been arrested on charges he tried to smuggle heroin into a Massachusetts state prison.

Kevin Barron, 46, was released on his own recognizance after being charged with delivering drugs to a prisoner, possession of a Class A substance and possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance, reports the Boston Globe.

Packets of a powdery substance that turned out to be heroin were reportedly discovered by guards when Barron was searched yesterday as he entered a Walpole prison to meet with clients. However, his lawyer, Elliot Weinstein, said he is innocent. "Someone took advantage of Kevin's standing as an attorney. Kevin did not knowingly commit any crime," the counselor said, declining to elaborate. [Barron was later acquitted in the case.]

Barron graduated in 1987 from Boston College Law School, according to his law firm website.

Last updated to note that Barron was acquitted in 2009.