WILMINGTON, DE — A multi-agency investigation into an alleged prison drug smuggling operation has led to racketeering and felony charges against a correctional officer, an inmate, and an alleged outside accomplice, according to Delaware State Police.
Authorities said Rashod Hull, 34, of Pemberton, New Jersey; Isaiah Boykin, 30, of Wilmington; and Autumn James, 35, of Conowingo, Maryland, were arrested following an investigation into the alleged introduction of narcotics into the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.
The investigation began on January 16, 2026, after the Delaware Department of Correction contacted state police regarding suspected drug smuggling involving a correctional officer and an inmate at the facility on East 12th Street. The New Castle County Special Investigations Unit then launched a coordinated inquiry with multiple law enforcement agencies.
Police allege that between December 2025 and January 2026, Hull, while employed as a correctional officer, accepted payments from inmate Boykin in exchange for delivering narcotics into the prison. Investigators further allege that Hull and Boykin worked with James to facilitate the exchange of drugs.
On February 1, 2026, detectives conducting surveillance at the Peoples Plaza Shopping Center in Newark reported witnessing an alleged drug transaction between Hull and James. Both were taken into custody shortly afterward without incident, police said. A search of their possessions allegedly uncovered approximately 264 doses of suspected K2 synthetic marijuana, about 24.25 grams of suspected remifentanil, and roughly 27 strips of suspected suboxone.
As the investigation expanded, the Cecil County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at James’ residence on Springway in Conowingo, Maryland. Authorities said additional evidence was recovered that investigators believe further connects her to the alleged smuggling operation.
Delaware Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor said contraband smuggling poses significant risks inside correctional facilities, stating that “illegal and illicit contraband poses a risk to the safety, health, and wellbeing of correctional staff, visitors, and incarcerated individuals,” and that the department remains “vigilant to counter this threat with significant tools at our disposal to root out and stop contraband flow, whatever the source.” Taylor added that the department will “continue to reinforce our high standards of conduct and integrity and hold individuals fully accountable to those standards.”
Hull was taken to Delaware State Police Troop 2 and charged with multiple felony offenses, including five counts of official misconduct, organized crime and racketeering, possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, receiving a bribe, promoting prison contraband, and second-degree conspiracy. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $132,000 secured bond.
James was charged with felony counts including organized crime and racketeering, possession with intent to deliver, bribery, promoting prison contraband, and second-degree conspiracy. She was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 2 and released after posting a $70,000 secured bond.
Boykin was charged on February 3, 2026, with felony counts including organized crime and racketeering, possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, bribery, promoting prison contraband, and second-degree conspiracy. He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and remained in custody at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on a $640,000 cash bond.
All charges outlined by investigators are allegations. As with all criminal cases, a suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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