VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas — A detention officer with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested following an internal investigation into alleged contraband violations.
According to officials, the Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Unit began the investigation on March 16, 2026, after receiving information that a detention officer may have introduced contraband into a correctional facility.
The investigation identified 29-year-old Damion Smith of Wills Point as the suspect. Authorities said Smith was found to be in possession of a cell phone while on duty and used the device to communicate with a female inmate housed within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system.
With assistance from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, investigators obtained recordings of the phone conversations, confirming violations of departmental policy and state law.
Officials also said Smith initially provided false information to investigators before later recanting his statements.
Following the administrative investigation, Smith’s employment with the sheriff’s office was terminated. A criminal investigation led to the issuance of two arrest warrants for contraband in a correctional facility and false report to a peace officer.
On March 31, 2026, Smith was taken into custody in the 300 block of VZCR 3448 and booked into the Van Zandt County Detention Facility without incident.
“This type of behavior will not be tolerated by our employees,” Sheriff Bridger said. “When an employee criminally violates the law, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office will take appropriate action.”
The sheriff also praised the Internal Affairs Unit for its handling of the investigation.
