PHILADELPHIA, PA — Federal authorities have charged a criminal defense attorney and a Philadelphia woman with allegedly providing contraband to an inmate at the Federal Detention Center in Philadelphia, according to Acting United States Attorney Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr.
Paul DiMaio, 56, of Turnersville, New Jersey, and Tanya Culver, 55, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were each charged by criminal complaint with one count of providing contraband to an inmate and aiding and abetting. The allegations stem from a February 4, 2025, incident during which DiMaio, a practicing attorney, allegedly delivered prohibited items to an inmate at the facility.
According to the complaint, surveillance footage from the Federal Detention Center (FDC) shows DiMaio entering the facility that day carrying two “redweld” type folders. Upon entry, he signed a Bureau of Prisons form acknowledging the prohibition of illicit items, including electronic devices and controlled substances.
The complaint alleges that DiMaio then met with an inmate, who was not one of his clients, in a legal visitation room for 18 minutes. Footage reportedly indicates that DiMaio left the meeting with only one folder, while the inmate, who had initially entered the room without carrying a folder, exited with a redweld folder. A subsequent search of the inmate and the folder allegedly uncovered a Motorola cell phone, a charging cord, 240 cigarettes, and strips of suboxone—a Schedule III controlled substance.
Investigators further allege that Culver, identified as the mother of another inmate, was involved in securing the contraband and coordinated with DiMaio before accompanying him to the detention center.
If convicted, both defendants face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
The investigation was led by the FBI, and Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Miller is prosecuting the case.
Federal officials emphasized that criminal complaints are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case remains under active investigation. Legal proceedings are expected to further illuminate the circumstances of the alleged actions.
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