Inmate’s parents, former corrections officer charged in connection to drug operation at Indian Creek Correctional Center

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WRIC) -- An inmate's parents and a former corrections officer have been charged in connection to a large-scale drug operation at Indian Creek Correctional Center in Chesapeake. According to the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC), three suspects, including a former corrections officer, have been arrested following an investigation into the operation. In addition, more than $200,000 worth of illegal drugs and contraband were recovered. Betty Jo Hoyer, of Chesapeake, and Michael Norman Hoyer, of Norfolk, have been charged with delivery of drugs to an inmate, which is a felony. The department said its intelligence indicates that both Betty and Michael allegedly conspired with their son, an inmate at Indian Creek, to introduce drugs into the correctional center. On Sept. 8, 2024, Betty and Michael reportedly visited Indian Creek to see their son. While at the correctional center, the department said Betty and Michael allegedly concealed a large amount of Buprenorphine, a narcotic, and Naloxone strips, which are traditionally used to treat opioid overdoses, which the department said are worth an estimated $200,000. In addition, VADOC said Betty and Michael allegedly concealed methamphetamine worth an estimated $10,000 and tobacco, which is contraband at department facilities. Department staff later recovered the drugs and after a department investigation, the Hoyers reportedly admitted to bringing and concealing the drugs at the facility. Krystal Shannon Clay, a now-former VADOC corrections officer, was also arrested and charged with delivery of drugs to an inmate in connection to the investigation. Additional charges are pending for both inmates and civilians, the department said.