Nine people ranging in age from 28 to 52 are facing a combined 22 criminal charges after investigators say they uncovered a drug operation reaching inside the Chesapeake Correctional Center and out into the surrounding community. The charges follow months of work by investigators who say they traced suspected narcotics moving between incarcerated people and associates on the outside.
The probe began in September after officials grew suspicious of narcotics trafficking tying together people inside the jail and others beyond its walls, according to WAVY. The Chesapeake Sheriff's Office reported that its Special Investigations Division launched the inquiry that month, and as reported by WTKR, the resulting charges stem from an alleged scheme to introduce and distribute controlled substances inside the correctional center.
Investigators recovered suspected Suboxone from multiple locations inside the facility, the station's report notes, along with additional suspected controlled substances during a related investigation conducted outside the jail. Authorities have not released details about how the suspected drugs allegedly made their way into the correctional center or how investigators ultimately uncovered the operation.
Who Faces Charges
Court records cited by WAVY identify several of those charged. Melissa Bryant, 41, and Aaron Dean, 28, were each charged with willfully delivering a controlled substance to a prisoner. Trevon Myricks, 34, faces a charge of conspiracy to deliver a Schedule III controlled substance to a prisoner.
Martin Tice Jr., 38, faces the most extensive list of charges among those named, including prisoner possession of a controlled substance, delivering a controlled substance to a prisoner, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy counts, per the same account. Cole Taitano, 32, was charged with possession and distribution of a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute, delivering a controlled substance to a prisoner, and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to a prisoner.
Jason Bostain, 41, faces charges of prisoner possession of a controlled substance, delivering and conspiring to deliver a controlled substance to a prisoner, conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute. Kyle Pedigo, 36, was charged with possession with intent to distribute and prisoner possession of a controlled substance, while Ronald Salupo, 42, faces a single charge of prisoner possession of a controlled substance. Michael Quitano, 52, was charged with delivering a controlled substance to a prisoner.
What the Charges Could Mean
The offenses described span several sections of Virginia law. Willful delivery of a controlled substance to someone in custody falls under Virginia Code § 18.2-474, which addresses delivering or attempting to deliver articles, including drugs, to prisoners or committed persons. Possession charges tie back to Virginia Code § 18.2-250, which makes possession of a controlled substance unlawful, while the conspiracy counts fall under Virginia Code § 18.2-256, covering conspiracy to commit drug offenses.
Officials said preventing illegal drugs from entering correctional facilities remains a priority meant to protect incarcerated people, staff, and the surrounding community. The investigation remains active, and investigators say they could file additional charges as their work continues.
Part of a Broader Pattern
This is not the only recent case involving alleged drug smuggling tied to a Chesapeake-area correctional facility. A Chesapeake deputy was arrested after a separate investigation found that illegal substances had been brought into the jail by a sheriff's deputy, according to WTKR. In another case, a former correctional officer named Krystal Clay was accused of trying to enter Indian Creek Correctional Center with narcotics allegedly hidden in her hair, while Betty Jo Hoyer and Michael Hoyer were charged after allegedly bringing drugs during a September visit to their son at the facility.
A separate Virginia Department of Corrections investigation at Indian Creek Correctional Center led to the arrest of three suspects, including a former corrections officer, and the recovery of more than $200,000 worth of illegal drugs and contraband, according to RockTownNow. In August, a 56-year-old part-time Chesapeake Sheriff's Office employee, Daniel Ward, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm while possessing a controlled substance, and driving while intoxicated, as reported by The Virginian-Pilot.
