The Alexandria Sheriff's Office (ASO) announces its arrest of former Deputy Sheriff Amarachukwu W. Igwe for attempting to smuggle drugs into the Alexandria Adult Detention Center yesterday evening.

Igwe, who joined the Sheriff's Office on July 14, 2025, attempted to bring narcotics into the Detention Center on April 4 with the intent to provide them to an incarcerated individual. Following investigative measures by ASO's Investigations, Professionalism & Oversight Section, ASO took Igwe into custody before any narcotics were delivered to the intended recipient or reached the general population.

Igwe was transported to the Arlington County Detention Facility for processing and subsequently appeared before a magistrate, who issued warrants charging her with the following offenses: 

• Virginia Code § 18.2-474.1 — Delivery of drugs, firearms, explosives, etc., to prisoners or committed persons 
• Virginia Code § 18.2-474.1 — Conspiracy to deliver drugs to prisoners or committed persons 
• Virginia Code § 18.2-250 — Drug possession, Schedule III 

Sheriff Sean Casey immediately terminated Igwe’s employment with the Sheriff's Office. 

“I commend the diligent work of our Investigations, Professionalism & Oversight Section whose proactive efforts uncovered this criminal conduct before it could jeopardize the safety of our staff or the residents of the Detention Center,” says Sheriff Casey. “I have zero tolerance for actions that undermine the security of our facility and those who violate the public trust placed in them will face the full consequences of their actions.” 

This matter remains under active investigation.

Booking photo of Amarachukwu Igwe courtesy of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office.