Former prison guard charged for sexual abuse of five female inmates

DUBLIN, CALIF. – A former correctional officer at a federal women’s prison in California faces additional charges following allegations from inmates who claim they endured his persistent sexual abuse while incarcerated, starting as far back as 2016.

Darrell Wayne Smith, who served at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, was arrested on May 11, 2023, in Florida. Initially, he faced a 12-count indictment for allegedly sexually abusing three women between 2019 and 2021. However, a federal grand jury has now issued a superseding indictment, charging Smith with 15 counts of sexual abuse, including civil rights violations against five female victims under his custody.

The Department of Justice announced the new charges on Friday, emphasizing its commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual assault within the Bureau of Prisons. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco stated that Smith’s actions were appalling and underscored the ongoing efforts to eliminate such abuses.

Smith, now residing in Florida, initially faced charges for incidents occurring between May 2019 and May 2021. The updated indictment adds two more victims and three additional charges, bringing the total to 15 counts. These include six counts of sexual abuse of a ward, seven counts of abusive sexual contact, one count of aggravated sexual abuse, and one count of deprivation of rights under color of law.

Smith’s alleged misconduct reportedly began as early as August 2016. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including life imprisonment for each count of aggravated sexual abuse and deprivation of rights under color of law. He also faces up to 15 years for each count of sexual abuse of a ward and up to two years for each count of abusive sexual contact.

This case is part of a broader investigation into the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, where multiple employees have been charged with abusing inmates. The prison’s former warden, Ray Garcia, was convicted in December 2022 for molesting inmates and was sentenced to six years in prison. Other employees, including a chaplain and a food service foreman, have also faced charges and convictions.

The Justice Department has intensified its efforts to prosecute federal prison employees accused of sexual abuse. Deputy Attorney General Monaco and Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters visited the Dublin prison in March 2023 to meet with advocates working to improve conditions.