Correctional Officer Charged in Smuggling Scheme

Smyrna - The Delaware State Police have arrested and charged a Correctional Officer with the Delaware Department of Correction in connection with a plan to smuggle marijuana and cell phones into the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC), Smyrna.

On Saturday, May 17, 2014, Delaware State Police Detectives initiated an investigation after being contacted by the Department of Correction Internal Affairs Investigators after uncovering a scheme involving Darryl L. West Jr.-27 of Bridgeville, Delaware, a Correctional Officer at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, along with a sentenced inmate confined to JTVCC, to smuggle contraband into the center.

After further interviews and investigation, it was determined that the sentenced inmate made arrangements for West to meet with an associate outside of the correctional center and obtain marijuana and cell phones to smuggle into the facility, in exchange for $800 cash. West made contact with the inmate’s associate and set up a meeting where he was provided the marijuana, cell phones, and only $700 in cash.

Further investigation determined that the plan called for West to smuggle the contraband into the correctional center and drop at a predetermined location, where it would be picked up by a second inmate and delivered to the conspiring inmate. A search of West’s 2006 Jeep Liberty parked at the correctional center revealed 113.2 grams of marijuana, 2 Nokia cell phones, recently purchased and in original packaging, and $700.00 in United States currency.

On Saturday, May 17, 2014, West was taken into custody by Troopers at JTVCC without incident. He was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana (F), Possession with Intent to Deliver Prison Contraband to Person Confined within Detention Facility (F), and Conspiracy 2nd Degree (F). He was arraigned and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $15,000 Secured Bond. (Photo attached)

Troopers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Inquiries as to Darryl L. West’s employment history and status should be directed the Delaware Department of Correction.