This image was lost some time after publication.

Ruth Madoff paid another visit to her imprisoned husband yesterday. When she exited the Metropolitan Correctional Center, however, a photographer spotted her carrying a plastic bag with several dollar bills inside. Is Bernie Madoff now fleecing his fellow prisoners and having Ruth smuggle out the booty? That was TMZ's punchline. A more plausible scenario is that Ruth tried to bring Bernie some cash, although if that's the case, Ruth should be extremely thankful she's safely ensconced in her East 64th Street penthouse this evening and not spending the night behind bars. Allow us to explain:

Inmates aren't allowed to possess cash, visitors aren't allowed to bring cash into the facility, and currency is considered contraband. According to MCC regulations, "any visitor who introduces or attempts to introduce contraband of any type will have visiting privileges terminated and is subject to criminal prosecution."

Did the feds just miss their chance to take Ruthie down on a technicality? That would be a shame, wouldn't it? In Ruth's defense, we should point out that she did comply with the agency's dress code and ban on "revealing sleeveless garments, halter tops, tube tops, [and] tank tops." And thank goodness for that.

MCC New York Visiting Regulations [BOP.gov; PDF]
Ruth Madoff—Prison Pays [TMZ]
Photo: Splash News Online