Former Roanoke detention center deputy charged with distributing narcotics to inmate released on bond

A Roanoke deputy has been terminated following charges of distributing narcotics to at least one inmate, among other charges, according to a release from the city’s sheriff’s office on Tuesday. (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office)

ROANOKE, Va.UPDATE

Virginia State Police told 10 News that Jonathan Hildalgo has been released on a $2,500 secured bond.

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This comes after he was terminated following charges of distributing narcotics to at least one inmate, among other charges, according to a release from the Roanoke City’s sheriff’s office.


ORIGINAL

A Roanoke deputy has been terminated following charges of distributing narcotics to at least one inmate, among other charges, according to a release from the city’s sheriff’s office on Tuesday.

Jonathan Hildalgo was terminated on Tuesday and has been charged with the following:

  • Attempt to deliver narcotics to prisoner
  • Delivery of narcotics to prisoner
  • Two counts of Bribery in correctional facilities

[READ MORE: Roanoke City Jail incident being investigated by Virginia State Police]

A grand jury was presented with evidence and a direct indictment was brought against Hildalgo for the charges. The investigation was conducted by the Roanoke Sheriff’s Office, the Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Virginia State Police.

Hildalgo joined the agency on July 2, 2019 and has been suspended without pay since Jan. 13. He was terminated Tuesday after warrants were served, according to the sheriff’s office.

A spokesperson with the sheriff’s office told 10 News that Hildalgo was served by Virginia State Police and taken to another agency.

You can find the full release from the sheriff’s office below:

As previously shared, the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office identified potential misconduct by one of our deputies and upon discovery, Virginia State Police were immediately contacted to ensure no bias for or against the deputy in question. Due to a collaborative effort between the Roanoke City Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Virginia State Police, and our agency, on Monday March 6, 2003, a grand jury was presented with evidence and a direct indictment has been brought against Jonathan Hildalgo for the following charges: Attempt to deliver narcotics to prisoner, Delivery of narcotics to prisoner, and two counts of Bribery in correctional facilities.

Mr. Hidalgo originally joined the agency on July 2, 2019, however has been suspended without pay since January 13, 2023. He was terminated today March 7, 2023 after warrants were served.

Sheriff Hash wishes to convey that since his first day in office, he and those within this department have worked hard to gain and increase the communities trust. He has and will continue to be transparent with the citizens and there will be no tolerance for those that do not hold true to the moral standards and rules of conduct which guide those employed with the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office.

The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is unable to provide any further information on the criminal investigation or the pending charges.


About the Authors:

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.