A North Carolina inmate, who claims he is the number 1 highest-ranking Blood gang member in the state, is facing new allegations in Durham County. Darrius Tyson, already accused of two murders, is now charged with impregnating two jail workers while in custody.
Serious Allegations Against Jail Employees
Prosecutors allege Tyson used his influence inside the Durham County Detention Center to engage in illegal activities, including smuggling drugs, coordinating outside drug deals, and engaging in sexual relationships with staff. Two jail employees—then-detention sergeant Jade Robertson and contracted nurse Lerin Burnette—have been charged with felony sexual conduct with an inmate.
A third employee, former detention sergeant Nicole Locke, faces felony charges for allegedly providing Tyson with a contraband cell phone.
Tyson’s attorney, Daniel Meier, paints a very different picture, arguing that his client is a victim of sexual assault by jail staff. Meier emphasized the legal point that detainees cannot consent to sexual relationships due to their incarcerated status.
“He was sexually assaulted by two employees who have now been charged with felonies,” Meier told the court. “It’s a Class E felony for someone to have sexual relations with a detainee. By law, he is a victim in these cases.”
Gang Leader or Victim?
During court proceedings, prosecutors described Tyson as a powerful and active gang leader. According to them, Tyson admitted to being the “highest-ranking Blood gang member” in North Carolina, a claim supported by the state Department of Corrections, which lists his nickname as “King Blood.”
Prosecutors presented evidence that Tyson used an illegal cell phone to orchestrate drug transactions and other illicit activities while incarcerated. Contraband, including a vape pen and marijuana, was reportedly delivered to him in jail. He was eventually transferred to CP in Raleigh, where he remains in custody.
Ongoing Legal Troubles
Tyson is already facing serious charges related to the 2022 disappearance of Shawn Burton, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, and burglary.
Burton’s body has not been found, but prosecutors continue to build their case against Tyson. These charges follow his release in 2020 after serving over a decade for a 2010 murder conviction, which was overturned due to prosecutorial misconduct and withheld evidence.
Burton was reportedly Tyson’s promoter.
