DOJ: Ex-Corrections Officer Had Sex With Inmate At Oregon Women's Prison

A correctional officer is facing charges for allegedly smuggling drugs into an Oregon women's prison and having sex with an inmate, according KPTV.

The Department of Justice announced that 32-year-old Richard Steven Alberts II, of Sherwood, pleaded guilty Monday (November 23) to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

Back in 2019, Alberts was a correctional officer at Coffee Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon. Investigators claim he had an "an inappropriate and illegal sexual relationship with an inmate" at the time. Officials added that Alberts smuggled drugs into the prison, including methamphetamine, heroin and OxyContin pills.

The former corrections officer used the substances to foster their relationship, but she did not use it, according to the DOJ. The drugs were intended for distribution to other women at Coffee Creek, according to investigators.

"Court records state Alberts also smuggled multiple cell phones into the facility for the inmate to communicate with him and others outside the prison," KPTV wrote. The DOJ alleged Alberts got the drugs from co-defendent Joseph Jimenez after the two met in a parking lot in Portland.

An Oregon Department of Corrections worker seized drugs from an inmate a few days later, which lead investigators back to Alberts and Jimenez. The 32-year-old was placed on leave from his job at the time.

"As part of a plea agreement, Alberts agreed to immediately resign from the Oregon Department of Corrections and permanently decertify as a law enforcement officer with the Oregon Department of Public Safety and Standards and Training," reporters said. More of his punishment can be read here.

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