An inmate at the state correctional institution at Mahanoy-Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County, has been charged with criminal solicitation and other counts.

State police at Frackville said Eric A. Costo, 23, has also been charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy.The charges are the result of a joint investigation by troopers and security personnel at the prison.According to troopers Costo solicited a girlfriend through letters asking her to bring marijuana to the prsion.On July 26 the woman came to the prison and was observed attempting to transfer marijuana to Costo. The incident was captured on closed circuit television.The female was arrested that day by troopers.Costo was charged this week and arraigned before District Judge Anthony Kilker, of Shenandoah.