WILMINGTON, DE – A Delaware correctional officer has been arrested on felony drug charges after an official misconduct investigation revealed she smuggled methamphetamines into a prison.
The Delaware State Police, in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Correction, arrested 27-year-old Yesenia Martinez-Morales of Wilmington on March 16, 2025. The investigation took place at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center in Smyrna after authorities discovered that Martinez-Morales had smuggled approximately 5.82 grams of meth into the facility.
Authorities Respond
Delaware Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor emphasized the agency’s commitment to keeping illicit substances out of prisons.
“The action taken by the Department of Correction to initiate this criminal investigation and to expand the investigation through Delaware State Police demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of our employees and incarcerated individuals,” Taylor stated.
She added that contraband in prisons will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable.
Charges Against Martinez-Morales
Following the investigation, Martinez-Morales was arrested and taken to Troop 2, where she was formally charged with:
Official Misconduct – Position Used to Engage in Criminal Conduct (Felony)
Promoting Prison Contraband – Possession of Illegal Narcotics with Intent to Deliver (Felony)
Possession of a Controlled Substance, Tier 1 (Felony)
She was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and released on a $3,500 unsecured bond.
