In a federal push against abuse within the prison system, a former correctional officer from Federal Correctional Institution, Dublin (FCI Dublin) now faces a slew of charges, including a federal civil rights violation. Darrell Wayne Smith stands accused of 15 counts of sexual abuse against five female inmates, according to a superseding indictment announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California. This indictment updates an earlier legal action that involved three victims and now adds two new alleged victims to the case.
These new developments surface amidst an ongoing Department of Justice effort to address and rectify instances of sexual assault in federal institutions. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco described Smith's purported conduct as "appalling criminal acts" and reaffirmed the Department’s dedication to delivering justice for the victims. Smith's defense against the allegations is to mount at a jury trial slated for March 17, 2025. It is imperative to note that the charges currently held over Smith are merely allegations, and the former officer remains innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The expanded indictment introduces three new claims of sexual assault occurring between August 2016 and May 2021, weaving a narrative of persistent abuse during Smith's tenure at FCI Dublin. The abuse ranged from abusive sexual contact to aggravated sexual abuse. FBI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Robert K. Tripp emphasized the gravity of these allegations due to Smith's position of authority, promising to enforce civil rights statutes rigorously and pursue accountability for those who exploit their roles.
The severity of the charges could result in a life sentence for each count of aggravated sexual abuse and deprivation of rights under the law, should Smith be convicted. Furthermore, the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly Priedeman and Andrew Paulson, with investigative support from the FBI and the Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General.
