Sheriff's officers arrested for smuggling phones, drugs to gang member inmate
Three San Mateo County, California Sheriff's Department officers, Michael Del Carlo, George Ismael and Juan Lopez, have been arrested on suspicion of smuggling drugs, cellphones and other contraband to a gang member inside a detention facility. Lopez is a deputy, Del Carlo and Ismael are correctional officers at the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City. All of them have been charged with bringing an unauthorized communication device into the jail and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Lopez has been a sheriff’s deputy in San Mateo County for 26 years. Earlier this year, he challenged his boss, Greg Munks, running for the post of Sheriff. Del Carlo has worked for the county for 19 years and Ismael has 15 years of experience as a law enforcement officer.
"The Sheriff's Office has hundreds of people who go to that jail. Any time you have a breach of security, such as bringing in contraband, that taints everything," said Steve Wagstaffe, San Mateo County District Attorney.