DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) – An alleged plot by a burglary suspect and his girlfriend to free him from custody by passing him a handcuff key during a hug or a kiss in court has fallen flat.

And authorities say the problem was that the pair discussed their plot during James Miller’s monitored calls from Norfolk County Jail.

They said the 38-year-old Miller and 46-year-old girlfriend Theresa Fougere, both of Quincy, discussed the escape plan even though inmates are warned their calls aren’t private.

Now, Miller is charged with attemped escape and conspiracy. Fougere was arrested Monday on charges of attempting to aid a felon to escape. She also turned the handcuff key over to police. A spokesman for the sheriff didn’t know where she got the key.

Miller was being held on a charge of heroin possession and was a suspect in several store burglaries.

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