Editor’s Note, 12/3/2020: The charges against the defendant in this case were later dismissed.

A Rochester area attorney is accused of smuggling marijuana into the Monroe County Jail.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office charged 32-year-old Michael Witmer with attempted promoting prison contraband in the second degree, a misdemeanor.

According to deputies, Witmer dropped off a towel at the jail for an inmate and former client of his, Herbert Johnson. The drugs were allegedly sewn into the towel.

Witmer was arraigned Saturday where he pleaded not guilty.

His attorney Frank Ciardi says Witmer had no idea there were drugs in the towel.

Ciardi said his client is due back in court December 7, and that Witmer looks forward to his day in court.

Witmer is banned from both county jail facilities.