ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (November 11, 2026) — A former St. Louis County correctional officer is facing eight criminal charges after authorities accused him of accepting payments from inmates’ family members to smuggle drugs, vape pens, and other prohibited items into the St. Louis County Jail.
The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday, November 10, that 25-year-old Darius Harris, of the 7000 block of Minnie Avenue in St. Louis, has been charged with eight counts of Acceding to Corruption by a Public Servant.
Harris is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond, with no 10% bond option.
Prosecutors Allege Officer Accepted Payments to Smuggle Contraband
According to the probable cause statement, Harris worked as a correctional officer with the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services, where he had direct contact with inmates.
Investigators allege Harris used his position to arrange illegal transactions with inmates’ family members, accepting money in exchange for delivering contraband inside the jail.
Authorities identified at least eight alleged transactions between October 1 and November 7, 2026.
The items allegedly smuggled into the facility included synthetic marijuana commonly known as K2, marijuana, vape pens, and cigarettes.
According to investigators, Harris communicated with inmates’ relatives through text messages and accepted payments using Apple Pay. He allegedly met with family members outside the facility to collect prohibited items before concealing them inside rubber gloves and delivering them to inmates.
The St. Louis County Department of Justice Services reported the suspected misconduct to the St. Louis County Police Department, prompting a criminal investigation.
Search of Residence and Vehicle Uncovers Drugs and Firearms
On November 9, detectives searched Harris’ residence and vehicle in the 7000 block of Minnie Avenue after obtaining his consent.
During the search, investigators reported discovering a loaded Springfield 10mm semi-automatic pistol inside Harris’ vehicle.
Inside his residence, detectives located a sheet of suspected K2 and a loaded Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, according to the probable cause statement.
Authorities also reported that Harris admitted to accepting payments and contraband from inmates’ family members and concealing the prohibited items inside plastic gloves before delivering them to inmates.
Investigators Allege Officer Traded Contraband for a Gun
One of the allegations involves Harris allegedly accepting a firearm in exchange for delivering contraband to an inmate.
According to the probable cause statement, Harris told investigators that in early November 2026, he accepted vape pens from an inmate’s family members and delivered them to an inmate identified in court documents as “inmate 3.”
In exchange, Harris allegedly received the Springfield pistol later recovered from his vehicle.
Investigators reported that Harris said he needed the firearm for personal protection.
The alleged exchange raises additional concerns about jail security and the potential risks associated with correctional employees using their positions to facilitate prohibited transactions.
Eight Criminal Charges Filed as Investigation Continues
The St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Drug Enforcement is leading the investigation.
Authorities have not announced whether additional individuals could face charges in connection with the alleged smuggling operation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The case also highlights the importance of internal reporting and oversight within correctional facilities, particularly when allegations involve employees entrusted with maintaining institutional security.
Harris is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges against him are allegations, and the probable cause statement represents investigators’ account rather than findings established at trial.
Media inquiries regarding the investigation are being directed to the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services or the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Source: St. Louis County Police Department, November 11, 2026.
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