Goochland, VA – Six women, including a former corrections sergeant, three probationers, and an inmate, have been arrested and charged in connection with a major drug smuggling operation at the Virginia Correctional Center for Women in Goochland County. Authorities say the group conspired to traffic over $1 million worth of narcotics into the state prison.
The Incident: Drug Smuggling Inside Virginia’s Largest Women’s Prison
According to the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), the arrests follow a months-long investigation into narcotics being smuggled into the Virginia Correctional Center for Women. The case was brought before a Goochland County Grand Jury, which issued 13 indictments against the six suspects.
Investigators allege that the group operated an internal network that allowed illegal drugs to enter the facility, where they were distributed among inmates. The investigation uncovered a complex web of coordinated deliveries, contraband transfers, and abuse of official access by a former VADOC employee.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Authorities say the women used a combination of in-person deliveries, mail drops, and covert exchanges to bring narcotics into the prison. The total street value of the drugs is estimated to exceed $1 million.
The investigation was led by the VADOC Office of Law Enforcement Services, which uncovered the smuggling operation with the assistance of prison intelligence staff and local law enforcement partners.
“Virginia Correctional Center for Women is safer today thanks to the dedicated work of the VADOC’s Office of Law Enforcement Services,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson in a statement following the arrests.
The Arrests and Charges Filed
According to indictments issued by the Goochland County Circuit Court, the following women were arrested and charged in the case:
- Tara Hedges Catona, of Glen Allen – Current probationer; charged with conspiracy to deliver narcotics to a prisoner.
- Brittany Louise Decarli, of Portsmouth – Current probationer; two counts of attempting to deliver narcotics to a prisoner.
- April Parrott, of Gordonsville – Former VADOC corrections sergeant; five total counts including conspiracy, attempt to deliver narcotics, possession of a Schedule III controlled substance (two counts), and delivery of narcotics to a prisoner.
- Michelle Paige Rook, of Glen Allen – Current probationer; charged with possession, sale, or secretion of a Schedule III drug by a prisoner, conspiracy to deliver narcotics, and possession of a Schedule III drug by a prisoner.
- Orline “Arlene” Terry, of Glen Allen – Charged with conspiracy to deliver narcotics to a prisoner.
- Stephanie Nicole Vanhoudt, of Troy – Current inmate; charged with possession of a Schedule III drug by a prisoner.
The indictments mark one of the largest smuggling crackdowns at a Virginia correctional facility in recent years.
Statements and Official Response
In a press release, VADOC officials emphasized that the arrests demonstrate the department’s commitment to rooting out corruption and keeping facilities secure.
“We will not tolerate any behavior—whether by inmates, employees, or visitors—that threatens the safety of our facilities or the people in them,” Director Dotson said. “The Office of Law Enforcement Services remains vigilant in ensuring contraband does not compromise the integrity of our correctional system.”
The Virginia Correctional Center for Women, located in Goochland County, houses more than 900 inmates and is the state’s primary women’s correctional facility. Officials have confirmed that security protocols are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Background and Broader Context
Contraband smuggling remains a persistent challenge in correctional facilities nationwide, often involving narcotics, cellphones, and weapons. In Virginia, authorities have stepped up enforcement through random searches, mail scanning, and surveillance of staff and visitors.
The inclusion of a former corrections officer in this case has raised serious concerns about internal corruption within the prison system. The VADOC has since launched additional internal audits to ensure all staff adhere to conduct standards.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
All six defendants are expected to appear in Goochland County Circuit Court for preliminary hearings in the coming weeks. Prosecutors have not ruled out additional arrests or charges, as the investigation continues into whether other individuals were involved in the smuggling operation.
Officials say any profits or proceeds from the illegal activities are being traced as part of the broader investigation into potential organized contraband networks operating within Virginia prisons.
Conclusion
The arrests underscore the ongoing efforts by Virginia correctional authorities to combat drug trafficking and corruption inside state prisons. As the case moves forward, officials hope it will serve as a warning to anyone attempting to compromise the safety of correctional institutions.
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