A Butler County Prison inmate already facing trial on drug and theft charges finds herself in deeper trouble after she allegedly tried to smuggle in a dose of methadone, authorities said.

Jennifer Kwiatek, 36, of Evans City on Wednesday was arraigned on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance by an inmate.

Kwiatek’s latest brush with the law began Monday when Butler County sheriff’s deputies took her to the methadone clinic in Butler for her daily liquid dosage, according to court documents.

Methadone is a prescription drug designed to treat heroin addiction. It is available in pill and liquid form.

Upon her return to the jail, the defendant was searched. A correctional officer noticed a “pinkish colored cotton ball” fall from Kwiatek’s sleeve, county detectives said.

The defendant allegedly admitted that she used the cotton ball at the clinic to retain a portion of her methadone dosage.

“She stated she intended to use the methadone for herself later in the day,” Detective Tim Fennell said in charging documents.

Kwiatek has been in the county prison since March 13 when Butler police arrested her in connection with the theft of $3,750 worth of jewelry from her mother, court records showed.

She had a syringe and a spoon containing drug residue when she was nabbed at a Butler Township motel.

The suspect is charged in that case with theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. Those charges are pending in court.