On January 5, 2020, two twin sisters identified as 20-year-old Maya and Kaya Mullins arrived at the jail to visit an inmate identified as 27-year-old Jamarius Ballio, according to a press release.

However, prior to their visit, they were observed going into the women’s restroom acting suspiciously and then coming out a short time later. While visiting with Ballio, the correctional staff went into the women’s restroom and found a large amount of illegal drugs hidden in the restroom.

After an investigation deputies took Maya Mullins and Kaya Mullins into custody and booked them into the Merced County Jail on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime, smuggling drugs into jail, possession of a controlled substance where prisoners are kept, and possession of over a pound of a controlled substance for sale.

Additionally, Ballio has received additional charges regarding smuggling drugs into the jail.

This is still an ongoing investigation and Sheriff Vern Warnke wanted to warn anyone visiting the jail that this type of activity will not be tolerated and anyone attempting to smuggle drugs into Merced County Correctional Facilities will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.