Jury Deliberates On Final Former FCI Dublin Employee: Reports

DUBLIN, CA — Jury deliberations are underway in the federal trial of Darrell Wayne Smith, the final former FCI prison guard charged with sexually abusing inmates. Smith, who was nicknamed “Dirty Dick” by inmates, faces 15 federal charges, including aggravated sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a ward, and civil rights violations, according to several reports.

Former inmates allege that Smith promised gifts or early release in exchange for sex, and sometimes resorted to force. Prosecutors allege a number of different offenses, including masturbating in front of inmates, fondling them, and forcing sexual encounters in janitorial closets. Twelve women have testified during his trial, either as direct victims or witnesses, according to the Bay Area News Group.

Defense attorney Naomi Chung argued that the allegations were financially motivated, citing a $1 million settlement received by one of the other FCI Dublin accusters. She argued that internet search history recovered from Smith’s personal device was “cherry-picked” and stripped of context, and also noted that he had been exonerated in a 20116 investigation over inappropriate conduct with an inmate, according to reports in The East Bay Times and KQED.

If convinced, Smith could be sentenced to life in prison. A verdict is expected this week.

Smith is the last of eight former FCI Dublin employees, including the warden and the chaplain, who have been charged with sex crimes. Seven were convicted, and were sentenced to anywhere from five to seven years in prison. The prison was permanently closed in December 2024, and a class action lawsuit led to a $116 million government payout.