A Brisbane resident admitted in court Friday to her role in an event last Spring where a drone carrying illegal substances and adult content unexpectedly landed inside a Queensland prison’s recreational area.
Based on details shared by the Australian Associated Press, Cheyenne Anniki Petryszyn, 27, was on parole when the drone holding Buprenorphine patches, methamphetamine, and a USB drive loaded with adult content was discovered in a prison exercise yard post its uncontrolled landing.
Correctional officers discovered the drone on April 1, 2022, around 10:47 a.m. alongside a packet holding 79 Buprenorphine strips, a medication for opioid addiction, 0.94 grams of methamphetamine, and the USB drive. A barcode linked the drone to a purchase by Petryszyn a month before this event. Petryszyn was later incarcerated for 11 years on a separate drug trafficking conviction and faced murder charges in another distinct case in October 2022.
In court on Friday, Petryszyn acknowledged two charges of severe drug distribution within a prison. Her associates, Cory Jay Sinclair Keleher, 33, and Bradley William Knudson, 37, also confessed, with Knudson admitting to one count.
Reports suggest the trio plotted for Petryszyn to obtain the illegal items and leverage details about the prison’s design provided by Keleher, freed that same day, to guarantee the drone’s successful entry. Inside, Knudson intended to distribute the narcotics. The actual pilot of the drone remains unidentified, and the items never reached their target.
“Phone records from adjacent [prison sections] revealed discussions between Knudson and Petryszyn about the operation, using coded chat about a fishing trip,” the case’s lead prosecutor shared.
Authorities highlight a phone chat post the drone’s discovery, during which Petryszyn mentioned, “everything came crashing down.”
Keleher’s defense attorney appealed to Justice Wilson for mercy, citing his client’s history of addiction, past trauma, and mental health issues.
“He’s addressing his addictions… he’s making progress,” Defense Barrister Gavin Webber commented.
Speaking for Knudson, Defense Barrister Michael Connolly emphasized his client’s challenging past and cooperation with the authorities.
“His early guilty plea indicates regret and self-awareness,” Connolly stated.
Petryszyn’s defense counsel argued against imposing a burdensome additional prison term to her ongoing 11-year sentence. They urged Justice Wilson to reflect on regulations stipulating new prison sentences acquired during an existing term be consecutive.
Justice Wilson acknowledged the pleas for leniency, noting Knudson and Keleher’s rehabilitation efforts and Petryszyn’s existing sentence. She also emphasized their role in introducing significant drug quantities into a rehabilitation environment.
Knudson received a two-year sentence, while Keleher and Petryszyn were given 16 months, with all eligible for parole immediately. The case’s prosecutor estimated the seized items’ value at up to $119,000, given the premium on drugs within prison.
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