ALDEN, N.Y. (AP) -- An inmate in western New York jail died after he swallowed two bags of tobacco allegedly smuggled into the
correctional facility.

That's according to the Erie County Sheriff's Department. Authorities say an autopsy on 35-year-old Marlon Clay is scheduled
for Monday, but it appears he choked to death after swallowing two bags of contraband tobacco yesterday morning at the Erie County
Correctional Facility.

The incident occurred at the county's main jail in Alden, 20 miles east of Buffalo.

The sheriff's department says corrections officers spotted Lisa Howard slip Clay the bags of tobacco in the jail's visiting room.
Before the guards could stop him, Clay swallowed both bags.

He was rushed to St. Joseph's hospital in Cheektowaga, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities say Howard has been charged with promoting prison contraband.