AUBURN - A middle school tutor from New York City pleaded guilty in Cayuga County Court Thursday to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance and to introducing prison contraband into the Auburn Correctional Facility, both felonies.

Deanisha Rutherford, 22, of Bronx, admitted that she used two condoms to smuggle marijuana and 2 grams of heroin into the prison in order to sell the drugs to an inmate on June 28. Rutherford said she was approached by a third person identified only as Nicole, who asked her to sell the drugs.

In statements that she made to the police, Rutherford said she had smuggled illegal substances into the facility on five separate occasions.

Rutherford may receive six months in the Cayuga County Jail or up to three years in prison when she is sentenced on Oct. 30.

Bail was reduced to $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond after family members promised the court that Rutherford would return for her sentencing.

Also in court:

• A local woman was sentenced to five years probation and will have to attend Auburn's drug court after she pleaded guilty to burglarizing a Seymour Street home and to the unauthorized use of a vehicle, both felonies.

Stacee Sigl, 22, of 297 Seymour St., Auburn, admitted she broke into the house and took the resident's vehicle without permission. Sigl said she had an alcohol problem, which led to her committing the crime.

Sigl was previously convicted of unauthorized use of a vehicle in 2007.

• An Auburn man was sentenced to three years - with two years post release supervision for the criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony.

James Palmer, 38, of 44 Fitch Avenue, Auburn, would also be eligible for shock camp, which would allow him to be released from prison early if he completes the program.

Palmer was convicted of selling $160 worth of cocaine to a confidential informant in 2007.

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net