HARRISBURG, PA — Three people, including two former corrections officers, have been charged in connection with an alleged drug trafficking operation at a state prison, authorities said.
Attorney General Dave Sunday said charges were filed following a recommendation from the 54th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury and an investigation conducted with Pennsylvania State Police and the Department of Corrections.
According to investigators, Beau Angelo, 37, and Charity Thompson, 40, both former corrections officers, along with Vadol Lewis, 33, a former inmate, are accused of participating in a scheme involving the distribution of controlled substances at SCI Fayette.
Authorities reported the alleged activity was uncovered in late 2024.
Each defendant has been charged with felony counts of corrupt organizations, conspiracy, contraband, and delivery of a controlled substance, along with related offenses.
According to the investigation and grand jury testimony, Angelo and Thompson allegedly brought drugs, including K2 and Suboxone, into the prison and distributed them to inmates in exchange for payment, often through electronic payment applications.
Investigators reported that Lewis allegedly supplied the drugs to the officers after his release from custody.
Police stated that search warrants were executed at the defendants’ residences, and drugs were also recovered from a prison cell.
Authorities said Angelo and Thompson turned themselves in Monday morning and were arraigned, with bail set at $50,000 unsecured for each. Both are no longer employed as corrections officers.
According to officials, Lewis is currently incarcerated in Allegheny County on unrelated charges and is expected to be arraigned.
Authorities reported the investigation spanned approximately 18 months and involved multiple agencies.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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