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By The Vanguard Staff
DUBLIN, CA – A federal grand jury has returned a 12-count indictment against a prison guard at the Federal Correctional Institution here, charging him for sexually abusing three female inmates in his custody, according to a Dept. of Justice statement Wednesday.
The federal facility has already been rocked with sex scandal noted Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz.
The IG said, “The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General is committed to bringing to justice every single BOP employee at FCI Dublin who sexually abused inmates…those efforts have already included arrests and convictions of FCI Dublin’s former Warden and Chaplain.”
“Today’s indictment alleges brazen and violent sexual assault by Smith and alleges abuse of multiple inmates over several years. As evidenced by these charges, the OIG and FBI investigation remains ongoing, and we will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of abuse at FCI Dublin and across the Federal Bureau of Prisons,” Horowitz noted.
Darrell Wayne Smith, 54, was a guard at FCI Dublin when he committed the sexual acts and sexual contact, according to the indictment, which added at least three female victims serving prison sentences were the victims between May 2019 and May 2021.
“Smith allegedly engaged in illegal sexual contact and acts with his victims, including digitally penetrating a victim’s anus by use of force,” said the Dept. of Justice.
“This indictment shocks the conscience of anyone reading it,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey for the Northern District of California.
Ramsey added, “The alleged conduct falls far below the minimum standards of decency required – much less, the standards of integrity expected – of any Bureau of Prisons employee. Rest assured, the Department will root out any such conduct and prosecute all persons who are responsible.”
“The charges announced today are the latest in the Justice Department’s campaign to root out sexual misconduct within the Bureau of Prisons,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco.
“As alleged, Darrell Smith exploited his authority to sexually abuse three vulnerable victims in custody at FCI Dublin. To enforce the BOP’s dual mission of providing a safe, humane environment for those in custody while preparing them to return to society, we will hold accountable all BOP personnel who abuse their authority,” Monaco added.
“For years, the defendant allegedly used his position of authority, as a federal corrections officer, to commit unspeakable acts of abuse and violence against multiple victims in a correctional institution,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate.
Abbate added, “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to aggressively pursuing those who violate the civil rights of others, no matter their rank or title. Nothing can undo the pain inflicted on the victims, but we hope today’s indictment is a further step towards justice.”
The DOJ said Smith faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted of aggravated sexual abuse, a maximum of 15 years of in prison for each count of sexual abuse of a ward, and a maximum of two years in prison for each count of abusive sexual contact.
“In addition, as part of any sentence, the court may order a term of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 for each count, restitution, and additional assessments. A federal district judge will determine sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors,” said DOJ.
Smith’s next federal court appearance is scheduled for July 10.
