California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced a former Solano State Prison in Vacaville correctional officer has been arrested and charged for allegedly smuggling weapons into the prison and taking bribes.
The suspect — who isn’t being named yet — was indicted on four felony charges, including conspiracy to smuggle weapons and other contraband into a penal institution, attempting to bring a deadly weapon into a penal institution, and receiving bribes.
“Regardless of occupation or position, our office is committed to holding those who break the law accountable,” Bonta said, in a statement. “No one is above the law. I am thankful to our state and federal law enforcement partners for their work on this case.”
The suspect, a resident of Rancho Cordova, served as a correctional officer at Solano State Prison between Feb. 2020 and Sept. 2021. During that time, he allegedly accepted thousands of dollars in cash payments to bring a wide range of contraband into the prison.
The contraband allegedly ranged from cell phones, tobacco, and alcohol to deadly weapons. He is accused of coordinating the types of contraband, delivery details, and his fees through an inmate and out-of-custody accomplice.
The suspect was arrested by California Department of Justice’s Division of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Investigations and booked into the Sacramento County Jail.
The case was investigated by the FBI and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.