Weapon found during a cell search in a Delaware Prison

Officials say that a weapon was found in a cell at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center this week.

The weapon was discovered as part of so-called "proactive safety practices" where the inmates cells were searched. They aren't releasing details at this time, however Representative Steve Smyk is addressing the issue.

Representative Smyk says that this weapon being found just proves that the lack of staffing and continued contract negotiations are not enough to ensure the safety inside prison walls.

"In my opinion, there was possibly time and materials used by more than one person with the intent to kill," says Rep. Smyk.

Just this past Wednesday, Governor John Carney talked about the changes being made at James T.  Vaughn Correctional Center and the ongoing investigation in the case of the prison uprising that took the life of a prison guard in February 2017 .

Carney says a new warden hired to lead the prison has already started making changes. However, he says state officials are still struggling to find people to fill almost 200 prison guard positions.

Carney says there's plenty of work to be done, but that he is trying to meet the prison's immediate needs.

Representative Smyk tells 47 ABC that he believes that it's also important to address prison guard retention to face the current staffing issues.

An independent audit of the prison hostage situation back in February is expected to be released on September 1. The Department of Justice has said charges could be pending in that case in the next month.