A visitor at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC) in Smyrna was arrested Sunday, June 3, after officers discovered she was attempting to smuggle an illegal substance into the facility, according to Department of Corrections Spokesperson Jayme Gravell.
Gravell said Melissa Wright, 43, of New Castle, was scheduled to visit an inmate at 11:00 a.m. During the security screening prior to entering the institution, JTVCC officers detected the scent of marijuana. K9 Leia made a positive hit on Ms. Wright and she was separated from the rest of the visitors, according to Gravell. Ms. Wright denied having drugs in her possession and a more thorough search was performed. At that time, marijuana was found and confiscated, said Gravell.
Wright was charged by the Delaware State Police with Manufacturing, Delivering, or Possessing with intent to Manufacture or Deliver a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy Second Degree, Possession of Marijuana for Personal Use Quantity 21 or Older, and Promoting Prison Contraband. She was released on $3,600 unsecured bail. Wright has been barred from visiting DOC facilities.
“I am extremely proud of my staff that leveraged their training and instincts in order to successfully intercept contraband,” said JTVCC Warden Dana Metzger. “We make efforts every day to ensure the safety and security of our buildings and prevent the flow of drugs into our prison.”
