Medical contractor deal terminated after Arlington County inmate's death, charges filed
ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — After an inmate died in October of 2020 while he was at the Arlington County Detention Facility, prosecutors have charged a man with a misdemeanor.
More than a year later, on Oct. 12, 2021, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney announced that Antoine Smith was charged with falsifying a patient record.
“The warrant was obtained in connection with the investigation into the death of (inmate) Mr. Darryl Becton at the Arlington County Detention Center in October 2020.”
Smith worked for Corizon Health.
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“After careful consideration, the county has entered into contract negotiations with a new provider. Services with a new provider are expected to begin November 15, 2021,” said a spokesperson for the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office.
“Becton, 46, died on October 1, 2020, after he was found unconscious in his cell at the Arlington County Detention Facility,” according to the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. “Mr. Becton was arrested on September 29, 2020, and charged with Probation Violation, awaiting his court hearing.”
The Arlington County NAACP released the following statement:
“The Arlington Branch NAACP #7047 is aware that the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office has “entered into negotiations with a new [medical] provider.” Although the Sheriff’s Office is seeking a new medical contractor, the issue remains that there have been six in-custody deaths in six years, as reported by the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. The Arlington Branch NAACP’s position remains firm in seeking justice for those who have died while in the custody of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. Ultimately, the Arlington County Sheriff, the Command Staff, and Sheriff’s Office personnel are responsible for the health, care, and safety of the individuals in their custody – and the Arlington Branch NAACP will continue to seek justice to find All who are responsible, complicit, and or negligent in the deaths of those in-custody and hold them accountable.”
Sheriff Beth Arthur released the following statement:
“The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing the highest level of medical services to those in our custody and I take each individuals care very seriously. How we care for those remanded to our custody is a priority. We are committed to having a vendor that provides the level of medical service that reflects the high expectations of not only myself, but the Arlington community.”
