Work-release inmate facing drug charges

A Carbon County inmate faces drug charges after prison staff found him with fentanyl that he uses while out on work release.

According to the affidavit filed by Nesquehoning police, on Jan. 6, officers were called to the prison after drugs were found on Ryan Eckhart, 33, of Lehigh Avenue, Palmerton.

Eckhart told police that he brought the substance into the prison and was taking it with him to use while on work release, but did not use it while in the prison. He also admitted using methamphetamines at time as well.

Eckhart was charged with two drug-related charges.