Attorney Sentenced for Smuggling Contraband into Detention Center

News Summary

Theresa Marie DiJoseph, a Massachusetts attorney, has been sentenced to three years’ probation following her guilty plea for conspiring to smuggle contraband into the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center. In addition to probation, she faces six months of home confinement and must complete 100 hours of community service. The charges stemmed from her attempt to bring ten sheets soaked in K2, a synthetic marijuana, into the facility during a visit to an inmate. The case highlights ongoing challenges regarding contraband in correctional facilities.

Providence, Rhode Island – Theresa Marie DiJoseph, a 51-year-old attorney from Massachusetts, has been sentenced to three years’ probation for her involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband into the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center. U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose issued the sentence, which entails six months of home confinement monitored by GPS, along with an obligation to complete 100 hours of community service.

DiJoseph pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, to multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and providing a prohibited object to an inmate. The charges were associated with her efforts to bring ten sheets of paper soaked in K2, a form of synthetic marijuana, into the detention facility during late 2023.

Evidence presented during the case indicated that the contraband was discovered on December 1, 2023, when DiJoseph attempted to visit an inmate named Shawn D. Hart, with whom she reportedly had a personal relationship. During the visit, authorities seized the papers, which appeared discolored, thicker than standard paper, and showed signs of being both wet and dried—a factor that raised immediate suspicion. Subsequent tests conducted by the FBI confirmed that the sheets contained Schedule I controlled substances.

In addition to the smuggling incident, DiJoseph also faced repercussions for making false statements to the FBI while they were investigating the source of the contraband. Her arrest occurred in July 2024 following a thorough investigation led by the FBI and the Professional Standards Unit of the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center. The prosecution of the case was overseen by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.

Details of the Charges

DiJoseph’s guilty plea encompassed several serious charges related to drug offenses and misconduct. Specifically, the charges against her included:

• Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue: This charge pertains to the intent to deliver a substance that mimics the effects of illegal drugs.
• Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance: This charge involves an agreement to engage in the distribution of illegal drugs.
• Providing a prohibited object to an inmate: This charge reflects the illegal transmission of unauthorized materials into a detention facility.

Background Context

The Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center serves as a federal incarceration facility, highlighting the importance of maintaining rigorous security and monitoring to prevent the introduction of contraband. The case against DiJoseph underscores ongoing challenges faced by detention centers regarding substance abuse and unauthorized access to illegal materials by inmates.

This incident also raises broader questions about the legal obligations of attorneys toward their clients and the ethical dilemmas that can arise when personal relationships are involved. The actions taken by DiJoseph have resulted in significant legal consequences, affecting her professional standing and personal life.

The FBI’s investigation emphasized the commitment of law enforcement agencies and detention facility staff to maintaining safety and order within correctional institutions. The effective detection of contraband and the subsequent legal actions taken illustrate the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related issues in jails and prisons across the country.

As DiJoseph embarks on her probationary sentence, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the implications of unlawfully bringing contraband into detention facilities.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Turn to 10 News
• ABC6 News
• Fall River Reporter
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Contraband
• Google Search: Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center