Thomas v. State

While in the Howard County Detention Center awaiting trial for rape and related charges, the defendant handed a sealed envelope containing a letter to a correctional officer for delivery to a fellow inmate at the same institution. The envelope was turned over to other officials of the detention center who opened it and read the letter. The letter contained an inculpatory statement, was turned over by the institution officials to the State’s Attorney, and was introduced at the defendant’s trial after denial of his motion to suppress. The defendant was subsequently convicted in the Circuit…