Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – A deputy has resigned after being accused of giving contraband items – including marijuana – to inmates, according to the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office.
On Tuesday, David VanDuser Jr., 43, of Camillus, was charged with promoting prison contraband in the first degree and unlawful possession of marijuana.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, VanDuser would make arrangements with inmates’ friends and relatives who would leave items outside of the Onondaga County Justice Center. VanDuser would then bring the prohibited items – including tobacco and illegal drugs - into the jail and distribute them to inmates.
They say that on Sunday night, VanDuser was caught trying to bring such a package into the jail. The detectives found cigarettes, marijuana, matches, loose tobacco, and rolling papers.
VanDuser resigned from the Sheriff’s Custody Department on Monday morning. He was arraigned in City of Syracuse Criminal Court and taken to jail where he was held on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.
He is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 31.
