POCAHONTAS, Va. — A now-former Virginia corrections officer is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly planning to smuggle a significant quantity of narcotics into a state prison.
The 29-year-old, who had worked at Pocahontas State Correctional Center, was arrested April 11 following an investigation by the Virginia Department of Corrections Office of Law Enforcement Services. Officials said the man confessed to previously smuggling drugs into the facility and admitted he intended to do it again, the VADOC said.
When agents searched the man’s home, they found more than $150,000 worth of narcotics in prison value, a handgun and $1,000 in cash.
He was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and two counts of conspiring to deliver drugs to an inmate.
“Anyone, whether they are a corrections employee or otherwise, should seriously weigh the risks of trying to smuggle drugs and contraband into one of our facilities,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. “VADOC OLES Special Agents and our intelligence teams are working around the clock to find you. Is a short-term gain worth potential time in prison? Consider that before you try to bring your poison into our secure facilities.”
The department emphasized its zero-tolerance policy when it comes to contraband and encouraged anyone with information about smuggling attempts to call 540-830-9280.
8 ways to destroy your correctional officer career:
