CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Three people, including a former corrections officer, were arrested following an investigation into a large-scale drug operation at Indian Creek Correctional Center, the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) announced.
Authorities seized over $200,000 worth of illegal drugs and contraband during the operation.
According to VADOC, Betty Jo Hoyer and Michael Norman Hoyer conspired with their son, an inmate at Indian Creek, to bring drugs into the facility. They both face charges of delivering drugs to an inmate, a Class 5 felony.
The incident occurred on Sept. 8, 2024, when the suspects visited their son at Indian Creek. During their visit, they concealed buprenorphine and Naloxone strips, estimated to be worth $200,000, along with $10,000 worth of methamphetamine and additional tobacco products, which are considered contraband within VADOC facilities, VADOC said.
In the video below, Gordon Graham discusses how to combat contraband in correctional facilities.
Staff at Indian Creek discovered the items, prompting a deeper investigation. The Hoyers later admitted to their involvement, VADOC siad.
In a related development, Krystal Shannon Clay, a now-former VADOC corrections officer, was also charged with delivering drugs to an inmate. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be filed against other inmates and civilians connected to the operation.
“Drugs and contraband have absolutely no place in our facilities,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. “I want to thank the certified police officers of the VADOC’s OLES for their dedication to this case and many others. I also thank the Corrections Officers at Indian Creek who contributed to this investigation. This was a significant drug and contraband seizure, and their work should be commended by all who value public safety in our Commonwealth.”
The VADOC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for smuggling attempts and encourages anyone with information about such activities to call 540-830-9280. The investigation remains active.
