Edwin Fernand
Edwin Fernand, a former correctional officer residing in Rancho Cordova, California, found himself embroiled in legal proceedings after being indicted on charges of accepting bribes to smuggle contraband into Solano State Prison. The indictment, filed on April 26 in Sacramento Superior Court, alleges that Fernand conspired to smuggle weapons, cellphones, and other prohibited items into the Vacaville penal institution.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Fernand faces four felony charges, including conspiracy to smuggle weapons, attempting to bring a deadly weapon into a penal institution, and receiving bribes. The indictment, resulting from a criminal grand jury investigation, underscores the serious nature of the accusations against him.
The California Attorney General's Office announced Fernand's arrest, emphasising their commitment to holding individuals accountable for illegal activities, regardless of their occupation. Fernand was arrested and booked at the Sacramento County Main Jail but has since been released from custody.
Fernand appeared for his arraignment on a Monday afternoon, as per court records, and is scheduled for another hearing on June 20. Prosecutors allege that Fernand engaged in illicit activities during his tenure as a correctional officer at Solano State Prison, spanning nearly 19 months from February 27, 2020, to September 14, 2021.
Smuggling Allegations and Investigations
The indictment accuses Fernand of collaborating with a prison inmate to orchestrate the smuggling of contraband. Prosecutors assert that the inmate communicated with an out-of-custody co-conspirator to arrange the delivery of plastic stabbing weapons, among other items, to Fernand. These items were then purportedly intended to be brought into the prison by Fernand for the inmate's benefit.
Additionally, Fernand allegedly accepted cash payments totaling thousands of dollars in exchange for smuggling various contraband items, including cellphones, tobacco, alcohol, and deadly weapons, into the prison. The indictment specifically mentions bottles of Patrón Tequila among the items smuggled.
Response and Investigation
The case against Fernand was the result of a joint investigation by the FBI and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). State prosecutors emphasised their commitment to upholding the law and holding individuals accountable for violating their oath and public trust.
CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber condemned the actions of Fernand, emphasising the department's stance against any peace officer who violates their oath. He reiterated the department's commitment to seeking accountability from individuals who engage in illegal activities.
