Lawyer Accused of Smuggling Contraband into Prison

News Summary

In Philadelphia, defense attorney Paul DiMaio faces severe charges for attempting to smuggle contraband into a federal prison. Alongside him, Tanya Culver is accused of aiding the operation. The case raises concerns about corruption within the correctional system, especially given DiMaio’s controversial history. Both could face up to five years in prison if convicted.

Defense Attorney and Inmate’s Mother in Courtroom Scandal

In a shocking turn of events in Philadelphia, a local defense attorney, Paul DiMaio, 56, from Turnersville, New Jersey, faces serious criminal charges after allegedly attempting to smuggle contraband into a federal prison. That charge came on February 4, when he was arrested after a visit to the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia.

The Allegations Unfold

Paul DiMaio, who has practiced federal and state criminal law for nearly 15 years, entered the prison carrying two expandable “redweld” type folders. In a meeting that lasted just 18 minutes, he met with an inmate who is not one of his clients. Upon leaving the facility, surveillance footage captured DiMaio exiting with only one folder. The second folder, however, remained with the inmate, raising serious red flags for prison personnel.

Contraband Discovered

A search of the folder found in the inmate’s possession yielded some disturbing items: a Motorola cell phone, a charging cord, 83 strips of Suboxone—a Schedule III-controlled substance—and a staggering 240 loose cigarettes. These findings paint a troubling picture of contraband smuggling that could compromise the safety and integrity of the correctional system.

The Accomplice

Alongside DiMaio, another suspect has been apprehended—Tanya Culver, 55, of Philadelphia. Culver, the mother of a different inmate, stands accused of aiding DiMaio in the acquisition of the contraband. Authorities allege that she communicated with DiMaio, coordinating the illegal operation. Culver now joins DiMaio in facing charges related to providing contraband to a prison inmate and aiding and abetting.

Punishments Await

If convicted, both DiMaio and Culver are looking at a maximum of five years in prison along with a potential fine of $250,000. The case has captured the attention of legal authorities, with prosecution being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The FBI has also been involved in the investigation leading up to their arrests.

Surveillance and Evidence

To solidify the case against DiMaio, officials have referred to surveillance footage showing his suspicious activities. Recorded evidence indicates that he entered the visit room with two folders but only left with one, raising immediate suspicion among prison staff. Adding to the complexity of the situation, it is noteworthy that DiMaio had signed a Bureau of Prisons form prior to his visit—a form outlining the serious consequences of bringing prohibited items into the facility.

A Checkered Past

DiMaio’s troubling allegations are further amplified by his controversial history. Prior to establishing his law practice in Philadelphia, he resigned from a police department in Rhode Island in 2008 amid accusations of sexual misconduct. His past includes a six-month suspension for conduct unbecoming of an officer while serving as a school resource officer. Despite these controversies, DiMaio has not faced any disciplinary actions since being admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania in April 2010.

Concerns About Correctional System Integrity

The smuggling of contraband into federal prisons raises significant concerns about corruption within the correctional system. Legal experts and law enforcement officials are keeping a keen eye on the fallout from this case, knowing that the actions of a single attorney can undermine public trust in the judicial process.

Next Steps

As DiMaio and Culver await their day in court, the implications of their alleged actions remain a heavy topic of discussion among legal experts and public safety advocates alike. Both individuals did not respond to media inquiries regarding the case, leaving many questions unanswered and the community in a state of disbelief over these serious charges.

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Additional Resources

• Philadelphia Inquirer
• NBC News
• ABC News
• CNN
• Tribune-Review
• Wikipedia: Contraband
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lawyer
• Google Search: Contraband in Prison
• Google Scholar: Contraband Smuggling Cases
• Google News: Philadelphia Lawyer Arrested