Paul DiMaio, a criminal defense attorney from Turnersville, New Jersey, has been charged with providing contraband to an inmate at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) in Philadelphia. Acting United States Attorney Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr., announced the arrest and charges against DiMaio, who faces one count of providing contraband to a prison inmate and aiding and abetting.
According to the criminal complaint, on February 4, 2025, FDC surveillance video captured DiMaio entering the facility with two "redweld" type folders. After completing and signing a Bureau of Prisons form that prohibits bringing certain items into the FDC, DiMaio proceeded to a legal visitation room for an 18-minute meeting with an inmate who was not his client.
The complaint further alleges that after this meeting, DiMaio left with only one folder while the inmate was seen carrying a redweld folder that he did not have before. Upon inspection by FDC personnel, the folder was found to contain a Motorola cell phone, a charging cord, 83 strips of suboxone—a Schedule III controlled substance—and 240 loose cigarettes.
In connection with this incident, Tanya Culver from Philadelphia has also been arrested and charged with similar offenses. The complaint suggests that Culver participated in acquiring contraband and traveled with DiMaio to the FDC on February 4.
If convicted of these charges, both defendants could face up to five years in prison and fines reaching $250,000 each.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Miller.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
