The Shadow
Richmond, VA (VR) — A former Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) corrections sergeant was found guilty Friday of two charges following her October 2025 arrest in a months-long investigation of the attempted smuggling of approximately $1.1 million (prison value) worth of drugs into Virginia Correctional Center for Women in Goochland County.
April Parrott of Gordonsville was charged in Goochland County Circuit Court with a total of five charges, including Conspiring with others to deliver drugs to a prisoner (a class 5 felony) and Possession of a Schedule III substance (a class 1 misdemeanor). As part of a plea agreement negotiated with the Office of the Goochland County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Parrott pled guilty to the felony conspiracy charge and the misdemeanor possession charge. Three remaining charges against Parrott were not pursued.
Parrott faces a maximum sentence of eleven years in prison and a $2,500 fine when she is sentenced in December.
Five additional people were arrested in this case, including three probationers and an inmate. More information can be found in an October 23, 2025 news release from the VADOC.
“I thank the VADOC’s Office of Law Enforcement Services (OLES), our institutional staff, and the Goochland County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for their tireless efforts in this investigation and the subsequent prosecution,” said VADOC Director Joseph W. Walters. “The Virginia Department of Corrections has zero tolerance for the attempted smuggling of drugs or contraband into our facilities. Our dedicated correctional staff and OLES members are vigilant and ready to intercept any dangerous contraband individuals may attempt to introduce into correctional settings to ensure the safety and security of our dedicated corrections team members, of incarcerated individuals in our custody, of probationers, and of people in communities all across the Commonwealth of Virginia. This investigation, and the subsequent prosecution in collaboration with the Goochland County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, reflects the VADOC’s commitment to keep Virginia a safe place to live and work for everyone.”
“VADOC’s OLES has been an incredible partner with our office and with the Goochland County Sheriff’s Office in our efforts to keep illegal drugs out of VCCW and out of our community,” said Goochland County’s Commonwealth’s Attorney John L. Lumpkins, Jr. “In the last two years I have seen the positive results of OLES delivering on its commitment to add the resources – both skilled and well-trained people and technology – to combat drug smuggling and other criminal activities.”
Anyone with information concerning attempted smuggling into a VADOC facility is urged to call OLES at 540-830-9280.
