The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) today announced the arrests of two individuals in connection with an attempt to deliver illegal narcotics to an inmate at Sussex Correctional Institution.
Officials said through proactive intelligence gathering measures Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI) investigators gathered evidence of a conspiracy between an inmate and a New Castle, Delaware resident to deliver illegal narcotic drugs to the inmate using US Postal mail. Through information gathered during the investigation, last week a mail package addressed to the inmate was identified and intercepted upon arrival to the prison mail room. Analysis of the package conducted in collaboration with the Delaware Division of Forensic Science found that the paper contents tested positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine according to officials.
“The delivery of fentanyl and other life-threatening narcotic contraband into correctional facilities through the mail is a significant and growing threat to the health of our officers, staff, the offenders we supervise, and the public,” Department of Correction Commissioner Monroe. B. Hudson Jr. said. “Thanks to excellent work by officers at Sussex Correctional Institution and our Department’s investment in intelligence gathering capability, the investigation quickly intercepted drugs from the prison pipeline and led to the arrest of two individuals.”
Through its investigation, Department of Correction officers secured arrest warrants for two individuals. On October 14, current SCI Inmate Dustin Richie, age 38, was charged with the following felony offenses:
Drug Dealing
Promoting Prison Contraband (2 counts)
Criminal Solicitation (2 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (2 counts)
Richie was arraigned and $15,500 secured bail was set on the new charges. Richie is currently serving a 1-year prison sentence for a Violation of Probation.
Working in support of the DOC investigation, on October 14 New Castle County Police located and apprehended 36-year-old New Castle resident Shannon Griffis, an associate of Richie, who was charged with the following felony offenses:
Drug Dealing
Promoting Prison Contraband (2 counts)
Conspiracy 2nd Degree (2 counts)
Griffis was arraigned and transported to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in lieu of $6,500 secured bond.
The DOC investigation remains active and ongoing. The Department of Correction thanks the Delaware Division of Forensic Science and New Castle County Police for their assistance with the investigation.